OUR CORRESPONDENT
PABNA, Jan 20: Getting general healthcare was once a nightmare for the people of the remote Char (shoal) area surrounded by the Jamuna River in Bera upazila of Pabna district but now the local residents are very happy to have it within their reach.
Due to lack of communication and poverty, they could not get treatment at the right time even if they fell ill. That picture has changed a lot now.Quality medical services are now reaching the doorsteps of Char people through the non-governmental organisation (NGO) 'Friendship Mobile Hospital Bangladesh-3', due to which Char people have expressed relief.
Kulsum Ara Khatun, a resident of Charpenchakola area in Bera upazila, expressing joy told The FE 'Earlier, when
you fell ill, you had no choice but to trust in Allah. Now doctors themselves come, examine you thoroughly and give medicine."
An elderly man from the same area, Iqbal Hossain, said that going to the hospital when he was sick was very
difficult for him. Now, he is benefiting a lot
from having a doctor at hand in the house.
According to the hospital authorities, this floating hospital started its journey from March 25, 2024 under the King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz programme. It serves the people of the char areas of Bera upazila in Pabna and Kumarkhali upazila of Kushtia every three months.
A total of 22 staff members are deployed in this mobile hospital. They include one medical officer, two paramedics,
four technicians, one pharmacist and other staff members including boat drivers.
Hospital officials said that this Char hospital provides primary solutions to many problems ranging from common diseases to complex ones.
Treatment is provided for fever, cold and cough, diarrhea, high blood pressure, diabetes and stomach problems. Pregnant women are given general services such as health check-up, prenatal and post-natal advices,
and guidelines on child nutrition and vaccination.
Accident injuries are treated, minor surgeries done, and emergency first aid provided here, as well as blood and urine tests are done and blood sugar level examined at a nominal cost.
The locals termed the mobile hospital as a timely initiative for the char areas, saying that without it, many would have been left out of treatment. Therefore, they mentioned the mobile hospital as a great hope for them.
Although they are very happy with the mobile hospital's services in the Char area, they have one demand - not for a few specific months but throughout the year the medical facility should be operated in
their area.
Bera Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Tahmina Sultana Nila told The Financial Express,"I visited the hospital; the quality of service is very good. About 150 patients are receiving services from here every day.
This is playing a very important role for the people of Char."
Zilful Murad Shanu, senior manager of the hospital, told The Financial
Express, "Our activities will continue to provide healthcare to the marginalised people of the Jamuna and Padma River basins."
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