Standard Chartered Bangladesh has joined hands with icddr,b to donate and distribute 80 high-capacity oxygen concentrators across rural healthcare facilities in Dhaka, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, and Khulna divisions.

The initiative aims to address critical medical oxygen shortages in marginal communities where secondary respiratory complications are common, particularly among infants and young children aged 6 to 24 months.

In remote regions where healthcare facilities are difficult to access, maintaining an uninterrupted supply of medical oxygen presents a major hurdle during seasonal outbreaks of respiratory illnesses. The deployment of reliable, on-site oxygen concentrators will enable frontline healthcare workers to deliver timely, life-saving treatment to underserved populations.

Under the partnership, international health research organization icddr,b will oversee the distribution, installation, and post-deployment management of the devices to ensure operational sustainability.

Enamul Huque, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said, "Access to timely and appropriate healthcare is essential, particularly for communities living in areas where healthcare resources are limited. Through this partnership with icddr,b, we are supporting rural healthcare facilities with essential equipment that can help strengthen their capacity to provide oxygen support when it is needed."

Dr. Tahmeed Ahmed, Executive Director of icddr,b, highlighted that many private and NGO-run hospitals suffer from insufficient oxygen infrastructure alongside high equipment costs. "In response to these challenges, Standard Chartered Bangladesh's donation is critical to address this gap in oxygen availability and support improved patient outcomes across Bangladesh," he noted.

Standard Chartered Bangladesh has previously supported the installation of medical-grade oxygen Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) plants at Kumudini Hospital, M A Rashid Hospital in Jamalpur, TMSS Medical College, Rafatullah Community Hospital, and Chattogram Maa-Shishu O General Hospital.