TV artistes will receive special healthcare plans from four hospitals across Dhaka, thanks to an initiative taken by Actors’ Equity Bangladesh. Two hospitals have already signed a memorandum of understanding with the artistes.
The hospitals are Bangladesh Specialized Hospital in Shyamoli, and Universal Medical College and Hospital in Mohakhali.
The signing ceremony on Friday was attended by Actors’ Equity President Shahidul Alam Sachchu, General Secretary Ahsan Habib Nasim, Executive Member Bonna Mirza, and actors Tania Ahmed and Ahsanul Haque Minu.
Regarding the initiative, Bonna Mirza told Dhaka Tribune’s Showtime: “Well, we took the initiative to ensure proper healthcare for actors, as we know very well how taxing their schedules can get. We first contacted Labaid and a few other hospitals. However, we decided it is better to have an agreement with hospitals in four specific zones of Dhaka. This way, actors from every corner of the city may avail of healthcare, should they need, at hospitals near their home.
“The idea behind the healthcare plan is to ensure swift and priority based treatment for actors. They will also receive 25% to 30% waiver on their medical bills from the hospitals that have signed the agreement with Actors’ Equity,” Bonna added.
Actors’ Equity Bangladesh is a community organization that takes care of the welfare of small screen artistes, who are registered with it. Bonna, who is in charge of cultural affairs of the organization, also informed that Actors’ Equity plans to hold international events someday.