The inhabitants of the northern riverbank and char (nomad island) areas of Bangladesh are some of the most vulnerable and marginalised populace in the world. Lack of basic infrastructure, malnutrition, lack of health education and personal hygiene makes conditions worse.
Despite massive amounts spent on health in the developing world, the poor still generally lack access to affordable, quality primary healthcare. The availability to accurate diagnostic and treatment advice and safe and effective medicine remains limited.
Friendship believes healthcare is a human right, and an integrated primary healthcare approach is imperative to provide quality healthcare service in the riverbanks and chars. In a region where land-based operations are impractical, Friendship has developed a river-based health service delivery system using floating hospitals, Satellite Clinics, Friendship Community Medics, River Ambulances and specialized health camps.
The Lifebuoy Friendship Hospital (LFH), launched in March 2002, was Friendship’s flagship project. In order to take the hospital’s services to the community, the Satellite Clinic programme was begun, and most recently the Community Medic programme was also introduced. Together, the three tiers ensure that healthcare is at the doorstep of the most marginalised char communities.
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Floating Hospital |
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Satellite Clinics |
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Friendship Community Medics |
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Specialized Health Camp |
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River Ambulance Services |
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The inhabitants of the northern riverbank and char (nomad island) areas of Bangladesh are some of the most vulnerable and marginalised populace in the world. Lack of basic infrastructure, malnutrition, lack of health education and personal hygiene makes conditions worse.