Saudi Medical Mission Treats More Than 5,000 Patients in Bangladesh

A team of volunteer Saudi doctors has provided free eye examinations, medical consultations and specialised treatment to more than 5,000 people in northern Bangladesh, including hundreds who underwent cataract surgery during a week-long humanitarian campaign.

The seven-day programme was held at Makka Eye Hospital in Rangpur, one of the country’s poorer regions, under the supervision of the Al-Basar International Foundation. Funding was provided by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) and the Saudi-based foundation, which supports eye healthcare and visual rehabilitation for vulnerable communities.

Dr Ahmed Taher Hamid Ali, the foundation’s country director, told Arab News on Sunday that 5,014 patients received free eye examinations, medical consultations, medicines and reading glasses. A total of 586 cataract operations were also successfully completed.

“Eye problems, particularly cataracts and other age-related vision problems, remain a significant concern for many people in the Rangpur region,” Ali said.

The campaign focused on people from low-income households who often struggle to afford specialist eye treatment, prescription medicines and surgical procedures. By providing services without charge, the programme aimed to reduce financial barriers and help patients regain their sight.

Three volunteer Saudi doctors from KSrelief worked alongside medical professionals at the Rangpur hospital to deliver treatment and carry out the operations.

Ali said the visit demonstrated the importance of humanitarian cooperation and a shared commitment to providing essential medical services to people in need.

He added that many residents of Rangpur Division faced financial difficulties that prevented them from accessing specialised eye care. Bringing treatment directly to the community helped reach people who might otherwise have remained without proper medical attention.

Cataracts, which cause clouding of the eye’s lens and can lead to significant vision loss, are a major concern for older people, particularly those who cannot afford surgery. Restoring sight can help patients regain independence, return to work and resume their daily responsibilities.

Among those treated was China Begum, a 55-year-old woman who had been advised to undergo cataract surgery but could not afford the procedure and the medicines required for recovery.

Speaking to Arab News, Begum expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s support, saying the operation would help her manage her household and live more independently.

“I found the doctor very humble and cordial. He treated me like a mother,” she said.

Begum said the procedure took around 30 minutes and was almost painless. Following the operation, she received medicines and glasses at no cost.

The campaign forms part of humanitarian efforts to expand access to essential healthcare in underserved communities. For patients such as Begum, the intervention offered an opportunity to recover their vision without facing the financial burden that had previously prevented them from receiving treatment.