The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has introduced a modern digital x-ray machine to BGMEA Hospital in Chattogram. The initiative aims to provide better medical services to garment workers free of cost. Underprivileged people will also have access to the facilities at a subsidised rate. BGMEA President Faruque Hassan inaugurated the machine service at the hospital. BGMEA First Vice-President Syed Nazrul Islam, Vice-President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury; directors Shafiul Karim (Khokon), M Ahsanul Hoq, and Director-in-Charge of the hospital Mohammed Meraj-E-Mostafa (Kaisar) and former directors were present on the occasion Monday. Read more: BGMEA for easy financing for SMEs in sustainability The digital x-ray machine has advanced features that will enable healthcare professionals at the BGMEA hospital to accurately diagnose the health conditions of the patients. BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said: "It's a high priority of the BGMEA to improve the health and well-being of garment workers who are the main driving force behind the RMG industry." BGMEA runs 10 health centres that provide healthcare facilities and medicines to garment workers free of cost while a full-fledged hospital is operational for workers in Chattogram, he said.    

A digital X-ray machine at Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital has been lying inoperative for lone due to negligence of the hospital authorities, depriving treatment seekers from the service.According to hospital sources, the government sent a Listem 500MA Digital X-ray machine for Jhenaidah Shishu Hospital in 2008 at a cost of TK 60 lakh. Though the machine was very important for diagnosis and treatment of children, it was not even unpacked for six years at the hospital. Then it was brought to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital in 2014, said Shafiqul Islam, in-charge of the X-ray department of the hospital. Read more: X-ray machines at most Feni govt hospitals not working for years "When it was unboxed, it was found that rats entered the X-ray machine and cut the wires of the machine into pieces, leaving the fluoroscopy site damaged," he added. “Though the radiography site was operational at that time, now the whole machine is out of order due to lack of repair.” “It remained inoperative for the last 8 years. The machine will be repaired next June if we get government allocation”, said Shafiqul. When contacted, Dr. Ali Hasan Farid, head of Jhenaidah Shishu Hospital, said he can't say anything about it as he joined the hospital in 2021. He, however, said that they have sent a list of requirements to the ministry for many equipment including x-ray machines for the hospital. Read more: Govt to set pvt hospitals’ service fees: Health Minister