In a dedicated endeavor to uplift the well-being of garment workers in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has embarked on a strategic initiative. Recognizing the pivotal role of health and well-being in the sustained growth and reputation of the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry, BGMEA has forged a partnership with Helen Keller, a global organization committed to preventing blindness and promoting eye health. According to a recent press release, this collaboration aims to deliver comprehensive eye care services to the garment workers.
The commitment to this noble cause was evident during an inception workshop held at the BGMEA Complex, where representatives from BGMEA and Helen Keller expressed their dedication to implementing the eye care initiative. The primary focus of this collaboration is to provide primary eye care services, encompassing basic eye examinations, prescription glasses, and referrals for more complex eye disorders.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan, speaking at the workshop, praised the collaboration, highlighting its potential to significantly improve the eye health of garment workers. He emphasized that offering eye care services extends beyond physical well-being, playing a crucial role in enhancing workplace productivity, safety, and overall job satisfaction.
Hasina Akhter, the country director of Helen Keller International, Bangladesh, emphasized the significance of the eye care initiative, underscoring how improved vision and eye health directly contribute to heightened productivity and better quality of work.
The workshop witnessed the presence of key figures from both BGMEA and Helen Keller, including Rakibul Alam Chowdhury (Vice President, BGMEA), Neela Hosna Ara (Director in Charge of Health Projects, BGMEA), Sheikh H.M. Mustafiz (Chairman, Standing Committee on Sustainability, BGMEA), and Wasim Zakariah (Chairman, Standing Committee, SDGs, BGMEA).
Distinguished individuals from various organizations also attended the meeting, including Prof Ava Hossain (Director, OSB Hospital), Prof Dipak Nag (Secretary General, OSB), Dr. Munir Ahmed (Country Director, Orbis International), Amrita Rejina Rozario (Country Director, Sightsavers), Misha Mehjabeen (Country Director, Vision Spring), Saiqa Siraj (Country Director, Nutrition International), Dr. Rudaba Khondker (Country Director, GAIN), Prof Nahid Ferdousi (Founder, KHEA Foundation), and Dr. Afsana Habib Sheuly (Head of Nutrition and Health, Helen Keller).
Earlier, BGMEA and Helen Keller formalized their commitment through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide eye care services to garment workers. As part of this initiative, clinicians at five BGMEA-affiliated health facilities will undergo training, equipping them with the necessary tools to deliver effective eye care services. A key aspect of this collaboration involves assessing the impact of improved eye health on workers’ productivity, reaffirming the commitment of both organizations to fostering a healthier and more sustainable working environment.