Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) has renewed its partnership with Bangladesh Eye Trust Hospital (BETH) to strengthen efforts aimed at providing accessible eye care services to economically disadvantaged communities across Bangladesh. The renewed collaboration will enable thousands of underprivileged patients to receive essential treatment, including cataract surgery and diagnostic services, free of charge or at minimal cost.
According to a press statement, the initiative forms part of EBL’s broader corporate social responsibility programme, which focuses on supporting healthcare, education and community development. Through this renewed arrangement, the bank will continue to finance comprehensive eye care services at BETH’s advanced medical facility located on Satmosjid Road in Dhaka.
The partnership will fund a range of critical services for patients who cannot afford treatment. These include eye screenings, surgical procedures for cataract patients, transportation for those travelling from remote areas, as well as meals during their hospital visits. The initiative is designed to remove financial and logistical barriers that often prevent low-income individuals from accessing specialised medical care.
The renewal of the partnership was formally marked at a ceremony held recently at EBL’s head office in Dhaka. During the event, Ziaul Karim, Head of Communications and External Affairs at Eastern Bank PLC, handed over a cheque to Dr. Niaz Abdur Rahman, Managing Director of Bangladesh Eye Trust Hospital.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ziaul Karim highlighted the vital role played by Bangladesh Eye Trust Hospital in delivering humanitarian eye care services throughout the country. He noted that the hospital has been instrumental in providing treatment to patients who would otherwise remain untreated due to financial hardship.
He added that EBL takes pride in supporting such initiatives as part of its commitment to social responsibility. According to him, restoring vision not only improves individual wellbeing but also helps people regain independence, enabling them to work, support their families and participate fully in society.
Dr. Niaz Abdur Rahman expressed gratitude for the bank’s continued support, stating that partnerships with responsible corporate organisations are essential for sustaining healthcare programmes aimed at disadvantaged populations. He explained that a large number of people in rural and low-income communities suffer from preventable blindness, particularly due to untreated cataracts.
He further remarked that the hospital’s mission is to ensure that financial limitations do not prevent individuals from receiving the treatment necessary to preserve their sight. With sustained support from EBL, the hospital expects to expand its outreach and assist thousands more patients in the coming years.
The key components of the initiative are outlined below:
| Service Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Eye Screening | Diagnostic examinations to identify vision problems |
| Cataract Surgery | Surgical treatment for patients suffering from cataracts |
| Patient Transportation | Travel assistance for patients from remote areas |
| Meal Support | Provision of meals during treatment and recovery |
| Follow-up Care | Post-operative monitoring and medical guidance |
Also present at the ceremony were Dr. Mahziba Rahman Chowdhury, Consultant Ophthalmologist at BETH, and M. Kamrul Islam Shanzeed, General Manager of the hospital. Representatives from EBL included Major Md. Abdus Salam (Retired), Head of Administration, and Md. Maskur Reza, Head of Business Information Systems.
Health specialists note that cataracts remain one of the leading causes of avoidable blindness in developing countries. Programmes that combine medical expertise with corporate funding are therefore considered crucial in expanding treatment opportunities for vulnerable populations.
Through this renewed partnership, Eastern Bank PLC and Bangladesh Eye Trust Hospital aim to continue delivering life-changing eye care services, restoring vision and hope to thousands of underprivileged people throughout Bangladesh.