Sheikh Hasina

Photo: PID

Work underway to ensure world-class healthcare: PM

She said this while inaugurating community vision centers in 45 upazilas of 13 districts of the country by connecting virtually from Ganabhaban on Wednesday.

Apart from the main programme organized at the National Institute of Ophthalmology located in the capital's Sher Bangla Nagar, the Prime Minister also participated virtually in the programmes organized at Charfashion in Bhola, Amtali in Barguna, Banshkhali in Chittagong and Pecuar Community Vision Center in Cox's Bazar. Later he interacted with the beneficiaries.

After inaugurating 45 Community Vision Centers, the Prime Minister said, "I had earlier inaugurated 90 Community Vision Centers in two phases. The government is planning to build community vision centers across the country in stages to bring all people under free modern and advanced eye care. We strive to deliver eye medicare services at the doorsteps of grassroots people. Many have been saved from blindness with treatment from Community Vision Centers. This is a great achievement for us as a nation."

Pointing out that the construction of medical universities in all departments is among the steps of her government to ensure the overall development of the health sector, Sheikh Hasina said that there is a plan to increase the Dhaka Medical College (DMC) hospital to 5,000 beds. Due to the corona pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, we have not yet been able to start the quality improvement work of Dhaka Medical College. Hope to start soon.

Among the newly launched Community Vision Centers there are 20 in Barisal Division, 20 in Chittagong Division, four in Rajshahi Division and one in Khulna Division.

So far 13 lakh 31 thousand 577 people have received eye treatment from Community Vision Center. Besides, 2 lakh 10 thousand 868 people have been given free glasses. A documentary on eye care was screened by the Community Vision Center on the occasion.