Representational Image. -Freepik

DHAKA, Mar 17, 2025 (BSS) - Kulsum Akther was very busy with her two-year baby Ramiz as he is suffering from breathing problem and fever for long three days. A neighbour advised her to take him to nearby health center.

Kulsum was in shy to go to health center as she had no money at that time. But well-wisher told her that there was no need of money to get treatment in the health center.

After that, she (Kulsum) went to nearby health center of Bakhrerkandi Rehabilitation Center of Shibchar upazila of Madaripur district.

‘Padma Setu Health Center’ has opened a new horizon of health services for the people specially for women and children of char lands of Padma. Low-incoming people of the char area were being benefited as they were getting medicines and health services free of cost.

Sources said the health centers are open for whole day except government holiday. A medical team of nine-member including a doctor, a health worker, nurse and pharmacist are giving the health services and essential medicines in the center free of cost. 

Abdul Halim who lives in the area said every people specially women and children are getting health services at their doorsteps. For this, thousands of low-incoming people along with women and children are being benefited.

While visiting the Bakherkandi Health Center, the correspondent saw that the center was very neat and clean. Apart from a waiting room for patients the center has a pharmacy, emergency ward and IT room.

Solaiman, an inhabitant of Bakherkandi Rehabilitation Center and a grocery shop owner, said many people of the area are being benefited for the health services. Now the women and children of the area are getting emergency services at their doorsteps.

“It was really unbelievable that we get the health services free of cost at our doorstep. Previously, many people of the area went to upazila health complex of Madaripur or Dhaka for treatment. That was really hard for us as many people could not go for treatment for financial crisis. Now the health center is a blessing for us,” he added.

Resource Integration Center (RIC) is operating the health center which primary objective was to provide healthcare services to the people affected by the Padma Bridge project. But, almost every people of the area are enjoying the benefit of the health center.

The center is providing primary health services including reproductive health services to adolescent girls, mother and children health services, awareness advices on health issues and vaccination.

Besides, monthly discussions for raising awareness on reproductive health issues are also held in the center.  The center is also providing eye treatment services to the local people a day in a week by a specialized eye doctor.
 
Health Officer of the Padma Setu Health Center Protap Chandra Das said people are getting the health services everyday from 8 am to 2.30 pm except public holidays. About 45 to 50 people are receiving health services every day, he added.
 
Protap hoped that the pathological facilities will also be provided of the char area in near future.