An advocacy meeting was held in Bagerhat on Monday to strengthen the district’s integrated eye care programme and expand access to eye health services, particularly for underserved and vulnerable communities. The meeting took place at the conference hall of Bagerhat Sadar Upazila Parishad, with support from Sightsavers and implementation by Drishtidan Eye Hospital, Bagerhat. Representatives from government departments, healthcare institutions, disabled persons’ organizations (OPDs) and non-governmental organizations attended the event. Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner Golam Md. Baten attended the meeting as the chief guest. Special guests included Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr Md Habibur Rahman and Additional Superintendent of Police Sabiha Mehebuba. Shahnaz Parvin Bithi, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Bagerhat Sadar, chaired the meeting.
Mominul Haque, district coordinator of Sightsavers, moderated the session and delivered a PowerPoint presentation on the programme. Among those present were Abu Said Shunu, president of Bagerhat Press Club; Kazi Saidur Rahman Sabuj, programme officer of Drishtidan Eye Hospital; and representatives from relevant government offices, including the Department of Women Affairs, the Department of Family Planning, the Department of Youth Development, the Islamic Foundation and the District Education Office. Presidents of various OPDs and representatives of non-governmental organisations also participated.
Speakers at the meeting emphasized the importance of ensuring accessible, affordable and quality eye care services for people across the district. They highlighted the need to raise public awareness of eye diseases, encourage timely eye examinations and improve access to appropriate treatment. Particular emphasis was placed on reaching marginalized communities, persons with disabilities and people who face barriers to accessing eye health services. Speakers stressed that stronger coordination between government agencies, healthcare providers and development organisations would be essential to achieving these objectives. Addressing the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Golam Md Baten praised the contributions of Drishtidan Eye Hospital and Sightsavers to the development of eye care services in Bager.
