1,300 people get free health check-ups

At least 1,300 people received free medical treatment and medicines at health camps organised by the Faraaz Hossain Foundation in three districts yesterday.

The camps were held in memory of Faraaz Ayaaz Hossain, who was killed in the July 1, 2016, attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka after refusing to leave his friends behind. At least 22 people were killed in the attack.

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Faraaz’s refusal to leave his friends during the militant attack was not only an act of bravery that the world saluted but also set the burning example of what a pristine youthful mind can do when it comes to choosing the right path at the expense of mere mortality.

In Brahmanbaria, around 600 people received free specialist consultations and medicines at a daylong medical camp titled “Specialist Healthcare for Humanity” at Gautampara Ghatura High School in Sadar upazila.

The programme was inaugurated by the school’s headteacher Pradip Sarkar and coordinated by Eskayef Pharmaceuticals.

The camp began at 9:00am and continued till 4:00pm.

Specialist physicians, including medicine specialist Dr Mamunur Rashid, paediatrician Dr Hossain Mahbub Shishir, and gynaecologist Dr Nusrat Siddiqui, provided consultations.

Dr Nusrat said such initiatives help disadvantaged people gain access to specialist healthcare. She said doctors from Brahmanbaria Medical College Hospital supported the programme, while Eskayef supplied medicines free of charge.

Ferdousa Akter, 50, of Suhilpur, said she received treatment for pain in her leg and waist and a wound on her hand, along with free medicines.

Smriti Akter, 32, of Ghatura village, said she came to the camp after hearing a public announcement in the area and received treatment for allergies and headaches, along with necessary medicines.

In Tangail, a free health camp was organised at Shaheed Smriti High School in Kolaha area of Ghatail upazila.

Specialist doctors provided treatment in medicine, surgery, gynaecology and obstetrics, ear, nose and throat, dentistry, heart disease, diabetes, chest diseases and children’s diseases. About 400 patients received free treatment and medicines.

In Barishal, a free medical camp was held at Daberkul Union Parishad premises in Uzirpur upazila.

Around 300 patients received free medical consultations and medicines at the camp held from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Among those who sought treatment was Abdus Sattar, 85, of Gazirpara village. He said he had long been suffering from various health complications but could not afford to travel to the city for medical care.

The patients were treated by Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed Imon and Dr Saidur Rahman.

[Our correspondents from Brahmanbaria, Tangail and Barishal contributed to this report.]