Bangladesh to launch ‘Shasthya Tori’ floating hospital for remote areas

The Bangladesh government plans to launch a floating hospital named ‘Shasthya Tori’ to provide modern medical services to marginalized populations in remote coastal, island, and char regions.

State Minister for Health MA Muhit and State Minister for Shipping Razib Ahsan announced the joint initiative between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Shipping. The vessel is intended to provide modern treatment and surgical procedures for common but complex diseases across 30 to 40 remote upazilas in at least four to five southern districts.

Key services to be provided by specialist medical teams include women’s healthcare, safe deliveries, postnatal care, child healthcare, general orthopedic surgery, and cataract operations. The project aims to create an integrated water-based healthcare system to reach disadvantaged communities that face difficulties traveling to traditional medical facilities.