Bangladesh Army Humanitarian Initiative in Khagrachari, Free Cataract Surgeries.

Staff Reporter ​The Bangladesh Army has stepped forward to support visually impaired and cataract patients in the remote regions of Khagrachari. Under the special management of the Khagrachari Army Zone and in collaboration with the Chittagong Lions Hospital, 61 underprivileged patients from the hills have regained their eyesight through successful, cost-free cataract surgeries. ​According to army sources, the challenging geographical terrain of the hills makes it nearly impossible for ordinary residents to travel to Chattogram city for expensive medical treatments. To address this crisis, the army sent 84 cataract patients from Khagrachari to the Chittagong Lions Hospital on September 14. Following necessary health screenings, 61 patients successfully underwent surgery. ​Captain Tanjim Islam Arnab, Medical Officer of the Khagrachari Sadar Army Zone, stated that surgeries for the remaining 23 patients were temporarily postponed due to complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease detected during their medical screenings. However, they were provided with necessary medication and preliminary treatment. Once their physical conditions stabilize, they will also undergo free surgeries. The zone authorities plan to extend this service to at least 150 underprivileged patients in the area. ​Following the procedures, a post-operative reassessment and eye examination were conducted at the Chittagong Lions Hospital on Wednesday (September 16). Later, under the army's coordinated management, all patients were safely transported back to Khagrachari, provided with free medicines and health guidelines. ​Patients and their relatives expressed immense joy at receiving free modern medical care, transport, and food. They noted that due to extreme poverty and remote living conditions, restoring their eyesight once seemed like an impossible dream. This noble initiative by the army has brought new light into their lives. ​Army zone sources affirmed that alongside maintaining peace and stability in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, such humanitarian and public welfare activities aimed at improving the healthcare and living standards of the general populace will continue in the future.