Friendship, a prominent social purpose organization in Bangladesh, formed medical teams to ensure healthcare services in flood-affected areas. Two medical teams have been established in response to the severe flooding in two districts in the eastern side of the country, Cumilla and Feni, to provide essential healthcare to those affected by the disaster. Friendship's medical teams have already begun operations in Monoharganj of Cumilla Sadar Upazila and Chhagalnaiya Upazila of Feni, which are among the most affected areas.
Dr. Rafi Abul Hasnat Siddique, Deputy Director at Friendship, stated that with the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Friendship is striving to ensure emergency healthcare in flood-affected areas. The organization has begun working closely with local administration to alleviate the suffering of those affected. Priority is being given to marginalised areas for post-flood relief and rehabilitation, as these areas are often isolated and difficult to reach with regular aid.
Dr. Rafi mentioned that Monoharganj in Cumilla Sadar Upazila is still submerged. Healthcare services have been initiated in the more severely affected areas of Cumilla and Feni. Friendship has undertaken a programme to provide emergency healthcare to nearly 30,000 local residents in these two flood-stricken districts in the eastern region of the country. Special emphasis is being placed on the urgent treatment of waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea and skin conditions, as well as on ensuring healthcare for pregnant women, adolescent girls, and elderly women. Dr. Rafi noted that 50 to 60 patients are being treated daily, with 55% of them being women. The organization is working on a plan to provide healthcare services at 16 locations over eight days, targeting over 40,000 local residents in the two flood-affected upazilas mentioned.