Our bespoke healthcare program for Garment factory workers in Bangladesh could address the unique challenges they face in one of the country’s largest and most economically significant industries. Such a program would focus an affordable preventative healthcare aiming to improve both the well-being and productivity of the workers. Here are key components to consider: 

1. Regular Health Screenings

• Offer periodic (annual )  health screenings for common issues among garment workers, such as anaemia, malnutrition, respiratory problems, and musculoskeletal disorders, contraception  , cervical cancer screening
• Early detection of health issues will help prevent serious conditions, allowing workers to receive timely care and maintain productivity.

2. Maternal and Child Health Services

• Since a large percentage of garment workers are women, include maternal health services such as prenatal care, postnatal care, and family planning.
• Ensure access to child healthcare services for workers’ families, supporting them in raising healthy children while reducing the financial burden.

3. Mental Health Support

• Garment workers often face high-stress environments due to long hours, repetitive tasks, and job insecurity. Providing counselling and stress management programs can support their mental well-being.
• Introduce peer support groups or mental health workshops to create a supportive community within the workplace.

4. Digitalised Health solution

• Use digital health apps or mobile services to remind workers about health appointments, provide health tips, and track health data securely.
• Digital platforms could enable telemedicine consultations, especially for workers in remote areas, improving access to healthcare.

5. Health and Safety Training

• Educate employees on hygiene, nutrition, and basic self-care to promote a healthier lifestyle both in and out of the workplace.

6. On-site Health Clinics

• Set up clinics within or near garment factories to offer basic healthcare services. This would make it easier for workers to access medical care without needing to travel, which is challenging due to long working hours.
• Services will include general check-ups, and treatment for common ailments, as well as services related to occupational health (like respiratory issues, injuries, and ergonomic conditions).
• We are willing to Collaborate with local NGOs, healthcare providers, and international organizations to implement the program more effectively and leverage resources.

• We will   help to develop policy support to encourage factory owners to adopt health programs. Employers, Garment buying agencies could share the cost  of a low-cost health insurance policy , making insurance affordable for workers while offering essential health coverage.

Expected Benefits

1. Improved Worker Health: Healthier workers can reduce absenteeism and improve productivity, leading to long-term benefits for the industry.
2. Enhanced Worker Loyalty and Retention: Providing healthcare shows a commitment to worker welfare, which can lead to higher retention rates.
3. Better Industry Image: Such a program would improve the reputation of Bangladesh’s garment industry, especially with international buyers concerned with ethical sourcing.
4. Economic Stability: Healthy, empowered workers contribute to the economic growth and stability of their families and communities, leading to a positive impact on the broader economy.

By addressing these areas, Bangladesh’s garment industry could create a healthier, more sustainable, and socially responsible workforce, benefiting both workers and the sector’s growth.

Background  Thalassaemia is a potentially life-threatening yet preventable inherited hemoglobin disorder. Understanding local socio-cultural context and level of public awareness about thalassaemia is pivotal for selecting effective prevention strategies. In a previous study we assessed knowledge and perceptions about thalassaemia among college students in Bangladesh. That study has identified critical knowledge gaps and societal misperceptions about thalassaemia.

A better understanding of these aspects will be pivotal for disseminating thalassaemia related information and brining routine thalassemia screening into practice.

Rationale: Findings from a  past study has generated baseline data that would contribute to developing effective intervention strategies in Bangladesh and other countries with a comparable socio-cultural setting. [Hossain, M.S., Hasan, M.M., Raheem, E. et al. Lack of knowledge and misperceptions about  thalassaemia among college students in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional baseline study. Orphanet J Rare Dis 15, 54 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-020-1323-y ]

The  study among college students and university students are expected to be no different in terms of knowledge, attitude and practice. Therefore, it is imperative that we do awareness campaign across the universities of Bangladesh to encourage premarital screening which is the most effective strategy to prevent thalassemia.

 What are we trying to achieve ? 

1. Developing awareness among young generation . We are aiming to Screen at least 2,000 or more students across the universities in Bangladesh in first phase .
2. Provide dedicated counselling of identified Thalassemia career by qualified personnel.

Consolidated result will be published in a peer reviewed journal.

Who are our target population ?

Target Universities: we will try to enroll similar number of students (average 100) from each university. So that, statistical comparison can be carried out. Students will also fill up a validated questionnaire regarding knowledge, attitude and practice about thalassemia as part of the awareness campaign

1. Dhaka University
2. Jahangirnagar University
3. Jagannath University, Dhaka
4. Chittagong University
5. Rajshahi University
6. Khulna University
7.Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet
8. Kushtia Islamic University
9. Mymensingh Agricultural University
10. Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Gazipur
11. Jessore University of Science & Technology
12. Barisal University, Barisal
13. Noakhali University of Science & Technology, Noakhali
14. Mawlana Bhashani University of Science & Technology, Tangail
15. Cumilla University
16. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman University of Science and Technology, Gopalganj
17. Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET)
18. North South University,Dhaka
19. BRAC University, Dhaka
20. East West University, Dhaka

Phase 1 

We like reaching to students and other youths who were directly affected by recent traumatic experiences

 A Multidisciplinary Team involving Psychiatrists from UK, USA , Bangladesh  along with psychologists , and student representatives.

 We are going to use Screening Tools a validated mental health screening tool. Options include:

• Self-Report Questionnaires: PHQ-9 for depression, GAD-7 for anxiety and PCL 5 for PTSD
• Online Assessment Tools are already embedded in our Digital Health care system and is age-appropriate and culturally sensitive to the young population.

We aim to offer Counselling Services for screen positive population with In-Person and Remote Options:

Phase 2

 To Provide Continuous Support and Resources

By group counselling, peer support groups, workshops, and self-help materials.

Offer self-help resources will be made available online, such as articles, videos, and apps    on mindfulness and stress management.

In future provide resources for parents to support their children’s mental health.

 Create an Awareness Campaign

• Educate students and staff about the importance of mental health.
• Organize workshops or seminars on topics like stress management, healthy coping mechanisms, and the impact of mental well-being.
• Engage students in the campaign to normalize seeking help.