Dhaka archdiocese to run first hospital in Tejgaon
The St John Vianney Hospital, which will open on 1st November, will have up to 200 beds. The Catholic Church runs five hospital and 70 dispensaries across Bangladesh. “Through good work and love, we will proclaim the Gospel,” says the hospital’s executive director.
Dhaka (AsiaNews) – The St John Vianney Hospital, the first Catholic-run hospital in the archdiocese of Dhaka, will open on 1st November 2019. Eventually, it will have 200 beds.
The medical facility is located near the Holy Rosary church in the Tejgaon district, an area with a large Catholic community. It will be open to everyone, 24/7, regardless of religious beliefs.
Speaking to AsiaNews, Fr Kamal Corraya, the local pastor who is also the facility’s executive director, said: "With our hospital, we will also serve the city of Dhaka, where we have several educational facilities but no hospital."
“Last month we visited four Church-run Catholic hospitals in India,” explained the clergyman. “We observed and learnt how they carry out their activities.”
Things are ready, Fr Corraya noted but added that he would like to sign memoranda of understanding with Indian hospitals in order to get more help.
In Bangladesh, the Catholic Church is divided into eight dioceses and runs five hospitals and 70 dispensaries. In the capital, a metropolis of some 10 million people, a health facility of this type was needed.
The country has a shortage of doctors and nurses. According to the Ministry of Health, there are six specialists (including doctors, nurses and midwives) per 10,000 people.
At the beginning, only 20 hospital beds will be available. Women, children and seniors will be the priority.
Many people are anxiously waiting for its opening because the facility will offer low-cost services and visits by specialists.
"Our aim is sincere service,” Fr Kamal explained. “The Christian community has a good number of nurses. We will ensure proper care. Our doctors and nurses will spend more time with patients. Through good work and love, we will proclaim the Gospel to people of all faiths."
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07/02/2019 17:28
