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Rajbari, April 26, 2025: For over three months, the Impact ‘Jibon Tari’ floating hospital has been anchored on the Padma River in Rajbari, offering affordable medical services to underprivileged communities along the riverbanks. This unique initiative has become a beacon of hope, providing low-cost, advanced healthcare to hundreds of patients daily.
Initially, patient numbers were low, but the hospital now serves 90 to 100 patients each day, with numbers steadily increasing. The facility offers a range of services, including eye surgeries, ENT treatments, orthopedic care, and corrective surgeries for congenital conditions like cleft lip and palate. Registration fees are as low as 50 taka, making healthcare accessible to the economically disadvantaged.
Established in 1999 by the Impact Foundation, the floating hospital has served 50 districts over the past 25 years. It began operations in Rajbari’s Mizanpur Union, Sonakandar Moulvighat area, on January 18, 2025. Operating from 9 AM to 5 PM daily (except Fridays), the hospital adjusted its hours to 3 PM during Ramadan. The 12-bed facility is staffed by 30 personnel, including three medical officers, three nurses, and seven medical assistants, with an ambulance on standby for emergencies.
The hospital, a three-story vessel painted in sky-blue and white, is equipped with a ticket counter, doctors’ chambers, a pathology lab, an X-ray room, an operation theater, and patient beds. Temporary pathways made of sandbags and bamboo connect the riverbank to the hospital.
Patients have praised the hospital’s services and staff. Golam Rabbani, who brought his father for eye treatment, highlighted the professional care and low costs. Rokhsana Akter, a local resident, reported significant improvement in her eye condition after treatment. Sharif ul Islam from Lakshmikol also commended the hospital’s affordable services and attentive care.
AKM Shahidul Haque, the hospital’s administrator, noted that the facility has performed 85 surgeries this month, with 40 to 50 more scheduled. “Our goal is to serve humanity,” he said, emphasizing the hospital’s mission to provide modern healthcare to impoverished riverine communities who struggle to access urban medical facilities. The hospital typically stays in one area for two to six months, ensuring sustained healthcare support.
AI/MR
