Floating hospital brings hope to rural backwaters

Stories of selfless service are few and far between in this age of unbound greed and self-gratification, yet they restore our faith in humanity. One such story, published in this daily on Saturday, highlights the vital contributions of a floating hospital that sails through rivers to far-flung areas and offers healthcare services to the common people. Aptly named Jiban Tari, the hospital, the first of its kind to be launched in Bangladesh in 1999 by the non-profit Impact Foundation Bangladesh (IFB), provides specialised health check-ups and services for eyes, ENT, orthopaedics and physical deformity to the disadvantaged population.

Reportedly, the three-deck floating hospital has an accommodation facility for 32 full-time residential staff members, including doctors, nurses, paramedics, medical technologists and support staff, with two fully-fledged operation theatres to perform surgeries on board. With the resources available to them, the hospital authorities say they have served patients in 32 locations in 22 districts, while 700,000 patients have received medical services and more than 50,000 have undergone surgeries. 

One can well imagine the rigorous background work that goes into preparations for sailing for a particular destination and obtaining permission from the civil, police and health authorities. It is heartening to know that the hospital has operated even during the pandemic, providing medical services and running awareness campaigns on Covid-19. We also appreciate the fact that the hospital trains school teachers on how to conduct basic eye check-ups on students and community leaders on basic health and hygiene. For a floating establishment on the move around the rural backwaters, the question of having access to updated information is a pertinent one. In this connection, we're glad to know that foreign surgeons come on visits to provide training to the health providers and help in ensuring quality treatment and care at the hospital. Such trainings and exchanges help to keep its staff abreast of the latest medical knowledge.

The Jiban Tari initiative is thus a remarkable example that shows us what the collective will of humanity can achieve if inspired properly and guided in the right direction. Understandably, discipline and dedication are required to make such a venture successful. It is not business as usual for a group of people living on a small ship for months on end and serving the sick. They deserve our unconditional support and recognition.