1,000 to get free cataract operation in M’singh

Some 1,000 patients have been selected for free cataract operation at Dr Muqtadir Eye Hospital in Mymensingh.

Of them, 80 patients were already operated on by three doctors at a free eye camp at the healthcare facility in Bokainagor Nayapara village of Gouripur upazila yesterday, hospital sources said.

Prof AKMA Muqtadir, founder of the hospital, said out of the rest 920 patients, 80 each will be able to avail the service on every Friday.

Lawmaker Nazim Uddin Ahmed inaugurated the 43rd edition of the annual eye camp yesterday.

Under personal initiative of Prof Muqtadir, former head of ophthalmology of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, a total of 1.18 lakh people -- including the 1,000 -- have received the chance to get free surgeries since 1976, he said.

In cooperation with his wife Dr Mahmuda Khatun, Dr Muqtadir established the 100-bed hospital on five acres of land at his native village Bokainagor Nayapara in 2004 to provide affordable eye treatment to rural people.

After completing his MBBS degree from Mymensingh Medical College in 1975, Muqtadir started providing low-cost treatment for the poor.

In 1976, he started arranging free eye camps on Gouripur Pilot High School ground and the camp venue shifted to Dr Muqtadir Eye Hospital in 2004.

Talking to The Daily Star, day labourer Fazlu Mia (65), a patient from nearby Sahonati village, said the service is very helpful for them.

A 55-year-old farmer, Abul Kalam, who came from Ishwarganj upazila, echoed him.

Dr Muqtadir said he asked his family members to continue the free camp even after his death.