Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Fred Hollows Foundation, Hellen Keller International, and Sightsavers International have entered into a partnership to provide eye care services to garment workers and develop the capacity of doctors and nurses working in garment factories in Bangladesh.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Faruque Hassan, President of BGMEA; Jennifer Gersbeck, Executive Director, Global Advocacy, the Fred Hollows Foundation; Musabbir Alam, Country Director for Bangladesh at Fred Hollows Foundation; Hasina Akhter, Country Director, Helen Keller International, Bangladesh; and Amrita Rejina Rozario, Country Director for Bangladesh at the Sightsavers International.

Neela Hosna Ara, Director in Charge of Health Projects at BGMEA, was also present at the MoU signing ceremony held at BGMEA Complex on February 20.

The primary goal of this collaboration is to provide comprehensive eye health services to the country’s garment factory workers, enhancing their productivity and improving their overall quality of life. 

The partnership includes initiatives such as capacity building for garment factories in eye health screening, awareness campaigns, and the provision of necessary eye care equipment.

Under this project, training will be provided to physicians and nurses working in garment factory health facilities, enabling them to conduct basic visual acuity and color deficiency screenings. 

They will be also equipped to prescribe appropriate eyeglasses to garment workers. 

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said this collaboration would contribute to improving the eye health of garment workers. 

BGMEA considers workers’ welfare as a top priority, he said, adding that ensuring the health and well-being of workers is crucial for long-term sustainability of the RMG industry.