Fakhrul pledges eye camps in every upazila

Online Desk : Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday inaugurated a five-day free eye treatment camp in Thakurgaon and said the government will take steps to organise similar eye camps in every upazila across the country.

Speaking at the inauguration, the minister said the government is continuing its efforts to strengthen healthcare services in Thakurgaon, noting that the district hospital has already been upgraded from 250 beds to a 600-bed facility.

Fakhrul, who also serves as BNP secretary general, announced that student admissions to Thakurgaon Medical College are expected to begin next year.

The free eye treatment camp has been organised by the Thakurgaon Diabetic Association with support from Nepal.

Highlighting the government’s healthcare initiatives, the minister said development projects in the health sector are being implemented on a priority basis. He added that efforts would be made to establish similar eye camps in every upazila and ensure that such programmes continue on a regular basis.

The event was attended by Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Nepal in Bangladesh Pratik Karki, Chairman of Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) Prof Dr Chet Raj Prant, Chairman of Biratnagar Eye Hospital Padma Narayan Chaudhury, Thakurgaon-3 MP Zahidur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rafiqul Huq, Superintendent of Police Belal Hossain, District BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin, physicians and other distinguished guests.

During the five-day programme, underprivileged and low-income residents from different parts of Thakurgaon will receive free eye examinations, treatment and medical advice. More than 3,000 patients have already registered for the camp.