The government will expand the eye treatment facilities through community vision centre (CVC) to each upazila gradually, as healthy people are needed to pull Bangladesh ahead.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday made the announcement while addressing the opening ceremony of the CVCs installed at 70 upazilas in 20 districts at the capital’s National Eye Science Institute and Hospital (NESIH), virtually joining from her official residence Ganabhaban.

She said: “In digital Bangladesh, we’ve brought health services to people’s doorstep and the CVC will be expanded to each upazila gradually as initiatives have already been taken to set up more 110 CVCs across the country,” she said.

The Premier said the government is arranging necessary healthcare facilities so that the people can remain fit. 

With the 20 CVCs introduced earlier in 8 districts in 2018, the total number of CVS now stood at 90 which would cover around five crore people to provide treatment for different eye diseases. So far 4.50 lakh people have received eye treatment from specialist physicians through the CVCs.

She directed the authorities concerned to conduct more publicity about the community clinic as well as the CVCs and motivate people to visit there for medical treatment.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque also spoke on the occasion while Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus moderated the function.

Health Secretary Md. Abdul Mannan delivered the welcome address and NESIH Director Professor Dr Golam Mostafa highlighted different aspects of the CVCs.