AmCham inaugurates 'COVID-19 Support Initiative for Healthcare'

The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) inaugurated the ‘AmCham COVID-19 Support Initiative (Phase-2) for Healthcare’ virtually on Tuesday (yesterday).

Earl R. Miller, US ambassador to Bangladesh, attended the ceremony as the ‘Guest of Honor’, while AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed chaired the programme, said a press release.  

Members of AmCham, its executive committee, foreign dignitaries, business leaders, media representatives and other guests also attended the inaugural programme.

Ms Zahida Fizza Kabir, CEO of Sajida Foundation, briefed the participants about the project details.

“While we experience decreasing Covid-19 cases every day and the vaccination provides a safeguard against the deadly virus, we sadly found hospitals outside divisional headquarters are severely understaffed and do not have critical equipment to treat the overwhelmed number of patients who are in life-threatening state. The pressing need to respond to the worsening situation in those hospitals remains unresolved,” she said.

“AmCham has initiated the project with approval from DGHS in association with Sajida Foundation to set up and manage ICU, HDU, provide treatment for patients, including those in general wards, and manage diagnostic service and medicine for Covid-affected patients at public hospitals in Jashore, Chuadanga and Pabna districts.”

“We also awarded the frontline journalists for their excellent reporting on the economy,” she added.

Last year, AmCham undertook another project to ensure sustainable food safety by helping Covid-affected farmers and their family members, the statement said.