Friendship

In 2014, we became involved in Runa Khan's efforts to aid those living in poor, remote areas of northern Bangladesh. A medical ship (actually a river barge) was Khan's novel solution to the problem of how to gain access to an area isolated by the nation's natural barriers — namely the shifting river islands of the north and the coastal deltas of the Bay of Bengal. By navigating the river system, the Lifebuoy Friendship Hospital has been able to provide essential primary healthcare services to people living on riverbanks and the river islands called "chars".

Fully equipped and staffed with volunteer medical and dental professionals, the floating hospital provides services ranging from x-rays to surgery and primary care visits. The ship docks at each of six different locations for six to ten weeks at a time, making basic, secondary and specialized care services available to residents and those who travel from far away to get the help they need.

Nurturing Dignity, Health and Hope

Today, the NGO operates three hospital ships, plus health camps and clinics. In just a short time, Friendship Bangladesh has grown to launch initiatives outside the healthcare sphere, including programs focusing on education, disaster management, infrastructure development, good governance, sustainable economic development and cultural preservation.