Novartis Bangladesh visits ASTHA project sites in Sylhet

Dr. Riad Mamun Prodhani, Managing Director, and Country President of Novartis (Bangladesh) Limited, Head Value and Access & Public Affairs, SK Abdul Goni, and Sandoz Country Head, Nakib Rahman recently visited ASTHA’s project sites in Sylhet and Sunamganj. Cezanne Mujibul Hasan, Country Director, Swisscontact Bangladesh, and ASTHA team accompanied the officials on this trip. The visit fostered meaningful dialogue between the donor and beneficiaries, underscoring ASTHA’s role in addressing the need for quality healthcare in rural Bangladesh.

This trip allowed the visitors to get updated on the ongoing project activities and discuss the strategies for ASTHA phase III. On the first day, the team visited the outlet of Lucky Roy, a Community Paramedic (CP) and learned about how she is providing healthcare services in her community.  The visitors also came to know how Zaynax Health, a private-sector partner, is collaborating with CPs like Lucky Roy in providing digital healthcare solutions. Later on, the officials visited RTM (Research, Training, and Management) International and they observed the institute’s efforts in organising a scientific seminar to ensure CME (Continuing Medical Education) for the CPs.

On the second day, they observed a courtyard session and met with the CP Association in Sunamganj. Dr. Riad Mamun Prodhani expressed his admiration for the project’s activities and emphasized how a formal recognition of CPs can play a pivotal role in enhancing rural healthcare in Bangladesh. He stated, “The CP service is essential for rural communities, and their drive to become entrepreneurs in providing these services is greatly commendable. I am eager to see how they flourish in the future, and I believe the association can play a big role in this”.

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