The “Cataract-Free Kailail Programme” was officially launched on Monday, following a local-level planning meeting held at the Kailail Union Parishad office in Nawabganj Upazila, Dhaka district.
The initiative aims to restore the vision of all cataract patients residing in Kailail Union by providing them with free surgeries.
The programme is a joint undertaking by Orbis International, an international eye-care NGO, and the SHEBA Health Center, which is operated by Alternative Approach – an affiliate of the Australia-based “Social Help Endeavour for Bangladesh (SHEBA).”
Under this initiative, patients will be identified and registered for surgery through eye camps organised across the union, read a press release.
The launching ceremony and planning meeting were conducted by Mohammad Zakaria, vice-president of Alternative Approach, with the participation of local public representatives and distinguished guests.
The event was presided over by Professor Dr Mostak Ahmed, former Head of the Ophthalmology Department at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Dhaka.
Dr Munir Ahmed, country director of Orbis International, attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest.
The Keynote Speaker, Professor Dr Sharif As-Sabir – executive member of SHEBA and vice-chancellor of Stamford University Bangladesh – addressed the gathering on the vital importance of the programme.
Opening remarks were delivered by Kamrul Chowdhury, Chairman of PNS Group and a noted philanthropist, alongside Dr Ahmed Sharif Shuvo, President of Sheba and Alternative Approach.
The planning session for the implementation of the programme was moderated by Iqbal Hossain, associate director of Orbis International, who also delivered vote of thanks.
Local representatives and community members expressed their satisfaction with the initiative and pledged their full cooperation to the organisers to ensure its success.
