Dhaka: Mother and child hospitals in the country operated by the Village Education Resource Center (VERC) under its healthcare service program have emerged as a crucial support system for the economically disadvantaged, offering quality medical services at a reasonable cost. Since the early 1990s, VERC has focused on maternal and child health, initially supported by foreign donors, including the Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the services aim to meet the Mother and Child Healthcare (MCH) needs of marginalized populations in the country. VERC collaborates with government service providers and community-based trained volunteers in areas such as Savar, Singair, and Aminbazar. This initiative was designed to ensure that mothers in these regions have access to affordable, quality healthcare services.
In 2004, a mother and child hospital was established in Savar, on the outskirts of Dhaka, continuing to serve the poor and marginalized communities. The hospital connects with local communities through a network of volunteers experienced in working with VERC, providing antenatal and postnatal care, safe delivery, and general medical treatment. The program operates sustainably in the region.
The Savar hospital features three MBBS doctors, including a consultant and two full-time residential medical officers trained in maternal and child health, who provide daily outdoor services. For indoor treatment, the hospital offers 10 beds, an air-conditioned operation theatre, a safe delivery room, and facilities for post-operative care. Staff includes a manager, counselor, lab technicians, diploma nurses, and paramedics who counsel pregnant and postnatal mothers, as well as eligible couples on family planning methods. The hospital’s immunization program is conducted in collaboration with the Savar municipality and the Savar upazila health complex.
In 2013, VERC extended its service delivery mechanism to Mirsarai in Chattogram following the phase-out of a foreign-supported health project. Mirsarai Hospital provides indoor and outdoor services to patients from Mirsarai and neighboring areas, with an MBBS doctor trained in maternal and child health available daily. The facility is equipped with an ambulance, pathology lab, and patient beds, along with necessary medical staff.
Both hospitals offer services such as antenatal and postnatal care, normal and caesarean deliveries, general treatment, pathology, ultrasounds, ECGs, and surgical operations. VERC beneficiaries receive these services at subsidized rates, with the organization’s staff contributing generously to the subsidy fund. Additionally, VERC organizes free health camps and observes health-related international and national days across several upazilas.
Subash Chandra Saha, Director of Training and Communication at VERC, reported that from July 2017 to June 2018, a total of 12,388 women and children received medical services from VERC-established hospitals.