Visiting United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Executive Director Jorge Moreira da Silva on Saturday visited the National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital (NIDCH) as the UN body was helping Bangladesh to set up oxygen generation plants.
This two-day visit Jorge Moreira da Silva is his first since he assumed the office in this capacity in April this year. UNOPS supports countries in building infrastructure, managing projects and procurement.
He will meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday.
The NIDCH is one of 29 hospitals across Bangladesh where UNOPS, together with partners such as National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP) and with funding from the Global Fund, is constructing oxygen plant facilities to support the national healthcare system.
Partner hospitals were strategically selected across Bangladesh as part of this initiative, including NIDCH, to ensure that underserved communities have access to essential medical services.
Working closely with partners, UNOPS supported the procurement of essential medical equipment and supplies and enhanced the healthcare infrastructure in hospitals with the installation of oxygen therapy units.
As a result, healthcare systems in Bangladesh’s most underprivileged communities are strengthened to provide critical medical services during health emergencies like the Covid-19 pandemic.
Commenting on the progress of this work, Moreira da Silva said: "It is inspiring to witness the dedication of NIDCH personnel to provide quality healthcare services to all. UNOPS is proud to support Bangladesh in strengthening its healthcare system, including with the construction of oxygen generation plants, which save lives.”
Dr Md Khairul Anam, director of NIDCH, said: "The expansion of oxygen therapy capacity in our and other hospitals across the country has been a game-changer in the fight against Covid-19 and other respiratory diseases."
UNOPS said they remain dedicated to working with partners to strengthen healthcare infrastructure worldwide, and this visit underscores the organization's ongoing commitment to saving lives and enhancing the resilience of communities.
