In rural areas, textile worker communities often rely on local water sources, such as rivers, which are heavily polluted by effluents from the very factories they work in. Limited access to hospitals—due to long distances, lack of public transport, and financial constraints
RESTORE
Mobile Hospitals
Free and Accessible Healthcare for Textile Workers in Rural Communities
Textile worker communities in rural areas tend to lack access to basic medical healthcare – affordable transportation and time off work are often major barriers to traveling to medical facilities in urban centers.
THE PROBLEM
THE PROBLEM
— means many community members suffer from untreated chronic or serious health conditions. What may begin as minor issues often escalate into major health risks without timely care.
Overview
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Countries: Bangladesh
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Partner NGOs: Agroho
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SDGs: 1, 3 & 5
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People Benefitting: >265,000 textile workers and their communities
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Donors: Stanley/Stella, Beechfield Brands, 24 Gute Taten Kalender 2023
THE IMPACT
In Numbers
2
Mobile Hospitals operating since 2023
265,000
treatments
10
emergency responses
WHAT WE DO
Our Solution
AGROHO has launched a mobile hospital to serve underprivileged textile worker communities. Housed in a fully equipped truck and staffed by doctors and nurses, the hospital
- provides free, regular medical check-ups and treatments
- including necessary medications and supplies
- offers informal awareness sessions on key health topics throughout the year
It combines medical care, health education, disease prevention, and community engagement to improve overall health & well-being. To date, two mobile hospital trucks have been purchased, modified, and are in continuous operation.
THE IMAPCT
Qualitatively
Sensitisation for Disease Prevention
One key aspect is breaking health-related taboos and reduce stigma to encourage a mindset focused on awareness and prevention. The MH serves as a platform to promote hygiene and health education.
Improved Health
Through regular visits and medication as well as referrals to specialists for more nuanced treatment, the overall health conditions of the communities improved quickly.
Economic Aspects
Reduced absenteeism due to improved health conditions and well-being, reducing income losses for the workers, hence having a positive impact for their entire families.
Trust in Medical Professionals
Many patients feel more comfortable with the doctors after a few visits and start raising health concerns which they used to keep to themselves due to stigma and cultural norms.
”We receive medicines for a wide range of common illnesses, like, fever, cold and cough, weakness, gastric issues, skin infections, diabetes and many other health problems. All of these medicines are provided completely free of cost, with no consultation fees, and we no longer have to travel long distances to seek treatment. Having the medical service has been a great support for us, bringing essential healthcare right to our doorstep.”
Kalpana Rani Sarkar (51 years)Bot tola Temple, Dhamrai, Dhaka
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Mobile Hospitals
Improve community wellbeing with free healthcare for garment worker communities.
MAILING ADDRESS
Weichselplatz 3
12045 Berlin
OFFICE ADDRESS
Weichselstraße 46
12045 Berlin
Funded by
Member of
