Help Treat 1,200 Poor Diabetes in Bangladesh

        About 5.7 million people, among a total population of 150 million, of Bangladesh are suffering from diabetes according to a survey conducted by the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh. The prevalence of the disease in the district of Gaibandha is well above the average as it is, unfortunately, one of the poorest districts of the country. Karmirhath Hospital started Diabetes Section in 1998. 16,549 diabetic patients so far received treatment at our hospital. We had been experiencing difficulties arranging finances for the treatment of our patients. The hospital received a boost when Karmirhath started raising fund through GlobalGiving Foundation. 

We held a Diabetic Screening Camp in the rural area last month. Before holding the camp, wide publicity was made so that more and more people attend the camp. About 300 people attended. 40 were detected having diabetes. These patients later attended our hospital. Necessary tests were conducted, Guide Books given and Diabetes Awareness lessons were given to them.

A total of 1400 patients attended our hospital during the last 3 months; among them 40 were new patients.

A Case History: Zaheda Khatun (70), wife of Alek Mia lives in a village named Jugibari about 20 kilometer from Gaibandha town. She is very poor and has been suffering for the last 4 years. Her husband is a physically disabled person and cannot earn. He lives on begging. So Zaheda Khatun could not afford to consult a doctor for want of money, let alone buying medicines. One day one of her neighbors informed her that Karmirhath Hospital at Gaibandha town provides free treatment to poor patients. With the help of some neighbor she came to Karmirhath hospital in the first week of May, 2012. She was examined at the hospital and diagnosed as a diabetic patient. All necessary tests were conducted and prescription given. Medicines were provided free of costs. Since her first visit to the hospital, Zaheda Khatun has been improving. Some sympathetic neighbors of her provide costs of visiting the hospital, initially, every week and now every fortnight, to keep a close watch on her progress.

Zaheda Khatun is now very grateful to Karmirhath and GlobalGiving for arranging her free treatment. Picture of Zaheda Khatun attached.

Patients’ Comments:

1. M. A. Rahman Dakua (70): I started taking treatment for my diabetes about two years ago. After following the treatments given by doctor here my blood-sugar level has stabilized and other complications have subsided. I feel much better now. I take insulin regularly and I am given it free.

1. Halima Begum (63): I came here at Karmirhath hospital about three years ago with

     lots of complications. After taking treatment continuously, I feel much better now.

    I can attend to my normal routine works. I get free medicine including insulin from the hospital.

    Thanks to Karmirhath for their help.

Links:

• Web Site of Karmirhath,a humanitarian Organization of Bangladesh