The Faculty of Medical Studies successfully organized a field visit for the MPH - Batch 2, which took place from October 15 to 19, 2024. Led by the Faculty Dean Brig. Gen. Mizanur Rahman Khan and supported by program coordinators and 26 students, making the trip both educational and memorable.

The visit was scheduled for the Kutupalong Rohingya Refugee Camp - the world’s largest refugee camp. The main aim of this visit was to acquire transparent idea about healthcare facilities, available services, infrastructure, working environments and overall life style of Rohingya refugees.

On October 17, 2024, with permission from RRRC (Refugee Relief Repatriation Commissioner) office, the students of  MPH  Batch 2, allowed to enter the Rohingya refugee camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. About 80% of  Rohingya reside in Ukhiya Upazila (sub-district) of Cox’s Bazar and this Upazila has the Kutupalong refugee camp. During the visit, students explored Rohingya Camp-9 which is situated at Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. Total Population of camp-9 is about 33456, but according to Camp Incharge, it’s about 40,000.

They also visited two Turkish-run hospitals that offer essential medical support to the displaced Rohingya community. According to Camp-9 Incharge Mr. Sarwar Kamal said there is no specific government policy for Rohingya’s. Govt of Bangladesh follows international guideline and instruction for refugees and works with different stakeholders like international organizations.

There are five hospitals under this camp area, but students of MPH visited to Turkish Field Hospital founded by Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and Turkey’s Housing and Development Administration.

Initially, the hospital consisted of eight separated tents with a capacity of 50 beds including an intensive care unit, a maternity care unit and general surgery section, pediatric and orthopedic department. The most important service provided by the hospital is surgery. According to Turkish doctor, they attended 12,000 patients as well as did 400 surgeries including 50 C-section last month. Added that this is the only hospital of camp-9 where surgeries were done. They started palliative care from last three years. The treatment costs for the patients of Turkish Field Hospital are totally free.

This enriching field visit was conducted under the esteemed guidance of the Dean of the Faculty of Medical Studies, with program coordinators offering invaluable support throughout the trip.