Blindness Prevention and Vision Care Programme in Northern Bangladesh
On 30/10/23, we had our first of the 25 planned eye camps under the ‘Blindness Prevention and Vision Care Programme in Northern Bangladesh’. It has been a challenging yet humbling experience for our team on the ground. As per our funding availability, we planned to screen about 100 - 120 patients per camp, distribute 20 pairs of spectacles, and select 10 -12 patients for free cataract surgery per camp. The team ended up screening 216 patients and had to work till evening to do that. There were about 70 patients with cataracts expecting to be selected for free surgery. The team had to take 16 patients for surgery and handed over 25 pairs of glasses. The rest of the patients were disappointed and there was discontent. All went well in the end. My heart goes out to the patients who missed out on free operation. At least they have a diagnosis now. Attending patients were also screened for Glaucoma and Diabetic Retinopathy. Prescriptions and management advice were provided to all those who needed it. 16 selected patients attended camp - 1 underwent free of cost Cataract surgery on 31/10/23. Our sincere thanks to Dr Ehsan Echo and the team from Majeda Eye Hospital for their superhuman effort for Camp – 1.
Free Cataract Surgery and Vision Care:
In the first phase of our blindness prevention and vision care program in North Bengal, 16 underprivileged patients of Kazihal Union of Fulbari Upazila of Dinajpur district underwent free cataract surgery on 31st October. In this program, 3000 patients in Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, and Pabna districts will be diagnosed with eye diseases, prescriptions will be issued and glasses will be distributed, apart from cataract surgery for 300 patients. We have provided this service free of cost to the underprivileged people of North Bengal. A medical team of Majeda Eye Hospital, Dinajpur led by Ophthalmologist Dr. Abul Ehsan Eko is providing this medical service on behalf of Social Help Endeavor for Bangladesh (SHEBA, Australia) and Alternative Approach (Bangladesh). Come forward in blindness prevention and vision care. By ourselves, or by strengthening our hands.
Advice and training on surgical and post-operative eye care in pictures.
Population based Research
Sheba has undertaken a population based research project on ‘Incidence of Hypertension, Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease in Northern Bangladesh in people attending screening programme’. This study will be based on the findings of the screening programme. The study is being conducted under the Department of Epidemiology, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences. The findings will be published in a reputable medical journal.
Chronic Disease Screening Programme
We have been running screening programme for Hypertension, Diabetes and Chronic Kidney since May 2023. The first 2500 people will be screened free of cost. The rest will be screened in exchange of a nominal feel. The screening programme is led by the SACMO.
Mobile clinics
Sheba runs a number of mobile clinics that includes running consultations in various market places and font yard of households. The mobile clinics also include reaching out to the outlying communities by boat during monsoon who become separated from the dry areas due to flooding. The mobile clinics are run by a SACMO and 3 community Health Workers.
Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Development
At Sheba, we believe in the power of sustainable community development to create lasting change. Our approach focuses on empowering communities to take an active role in their own development, working together with local women, and volunteers to achieve sustainable and equitable outcomes.
Through our community development programs, we aim to build local capacity, promote social and economic inclusion, and support community-led initiatives that create meaningful, lasting change.
Shomaj Satellite Clinic
Mirzapur Satellite Clinic
Handial Satellite Clinic
Sheba's Boat Clinic: Bringing Healthcare to the Waterways
Access to healthcare services is a critical issue for many communities living along the riverbanks and waterways of Bangladesh. These communities often face significant challenges in accessing healthcare services due to the lack of infrastructure and resources. Sheba is addressing this issue through its innovative Boat Clinic Initiative.
The Boat Clinic is a mobile healthcare unit that travels along the waterways to reach rural areas of Chalan beel. Our Boat Clinic is staffed by a team of experienced healthcare professionals who provide a range of healthcare services, including primary care, preventive care, and curative treatments.
One of the unique features of our Boat Clinic Initiative is its ability to reach out to a large population living along the waterways of chalan beel. Many of these communities are isolated and lack access to basic healthcare services. Our Boat Clinic Initiative has helped bridge this gap by providing healthcare services to those who need it the most.
Providing Quality Pathology Services: Sheba's Commitment to Health Equity
Pathology is an essential aspect of healthcare, as it plays a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. However, many communities around the world struggle with limited access to quality pathology services. Our NGO is committed to addressing this issue by providing affordable and accessible pathology services to underprivileged communities.
