Cox’s Bazar (13 July 2023) – Aiming to improve access to healthcare services for host communities in Cox’s Bazar, the city of the world’s biggest refugee settlements, the International Organization for Migration (IOM - the UN Migration Agency) reconstructed Balukhali Health Sub-Centre -- one of the government-run health facilities.

With the support of Qatar Charity, IOM conducted the reconstruction of the health facility which now comprises a two-storied building housing a waiting and triage area, outpatient consultation rooms, a mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) corner, a nutrition corner, a laboratory, a medical warehouse, and a pharmacy. The facility also includes multiple-purpose rooms to facilitate the delivery of round-the-clock.

Since 2017, IOM has been actively supporting essential health services at the Balukhali Health Sub-Centre, encompassing outpatient consultations, emergency care, referral support, communicable disease control, non-communicable disease management, and MHPSS services.

Cox’s Bazar’s Civil Surgeon Dr. Bipash Khisha; Qatar Charity’s Head of Operations and International Program Mr. Nawaf Abdullah Al Hammadi and IOM Bangladesh’s Deputy Chief of Mission Nihan Erdogan inaugurated the reconstructed facility on 13 July 2023 (Thursday). 

Qatar Charity’s Head of Operations and International Program Mr. Nawaf said: “We are proud to have partnered with IOM in reconstructing this health facility. Through our collaboration, we are committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the well-being of the communities in need.”

IOM’s Deputy Chief of Mission Nihan Erdogan said: “The health facility is catering for the medical needs of the host communities and Rohingya refugees. We are immensely thankful for the support from Qatar Charity."

IOM commenced its operation in the sub-center following the first renovation that took place in 2017. This subsequent reconstruction will enable the government and health partners to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services to both Rohingya refugees and host communities.

As of June 2023, IOM conducted 95,010 outpatient consultations in this center, of which 33 percent of beneficiaries were from the host community and 67 percent were from the Rohingya refugees. IOM’s MHPSS service has also been mainstreamed with the healthcare service provision -- 26,646 individuals received community-based support, 2,588 received focused non-specialized services and 370 received specialized mental health services in this facility.

The reconstruction of the Balukhali Health Sub-centre represents a significant step forward in addressing the healthcare needs of the affected population in Cox's Bazar. IOM remains committed to supporting the provision of essential services and contributing to the well-being of the community.

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For more information, please contact Tarek Mahmud at tmahmud@iom.int or +880 1752 380 240