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Three BIWTC vessels to be converted into floating hospitals
Published : Friday, 18 September, 2026 at 7:46 PM
Observer Online Report
The government is planning to convert three passenger vessels of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) into modern floating hospitals to provide advanced healthcare services to people living in coastal and remote island areas.
The vessels-MV Madhumati, MV Rupsha and MV Sugandha are currently under the Ministry of Shipping.
A high-level meeting and discussion was held at the BIWTC terminal at Badamtali in Sadarghat of Dhaka, on Friday afternoon during an official inspection of the initiative.
Speaking at the meeting, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Prof Dr MA Muhit said providing timely advanced medical treatment to people in coastal and isolated island areas had long been a major challenge.
He said the government’s initiative would serve as a milestone in ensuring healthcare for people living in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
“Through these floating hospitals, it will be possible to deliver advanced medical services and medicines directly to people’s doorsteps,” he said.
State Minister for Shipping Md Rajib Ahsan praised the coordinated initiative, saying the project would set a unique example of using waterways to ensure essential services for people.
He said, "BIWTC would work to convert the vessels into floating hospitals as soon as possible by equipping them with necessary medical facilities and equipment."
According to the authorities concerned, the vessels will initially be equipped with modern operation theatres, intensive care units (ICUs), emergency departments, pathology laboratories and outpatient departments, along with other facilities of a full-fledged hospital.
The initiative will enable people living in riverine and remote areas to receive advanced healthcare without having to travel to the mainland, both during disasters and normal times.
Officials concerned were given necessary directions for speedy implementation of the project.
BIWTC Chairman AT M Abdul Bari Dani, officials of the two ministries and other people present at the terminal welcomed the government’s initiative.
The inspection and discussion meeting was attended by State Minister for Shipping and the Bridges Division Md Rajib Ahsan, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Prof Dr MA Muhit, Health Services Division Secretary Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid, Secretary of the Health Education and Family Welfare Division AKM Benjamin Riazi, and BIWTC Chairman AT M Abdul Bari Dani.
Directors of BIWTC and other senior officials of the two ministries were also present.
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
