On September 25, the Radda MCH-FP Centre, a longstanding healthcare provider in Mirpur-1, Dhaka, faced a significant setback when the facility was attacked, looted, and demolished by a group of individuals. Despite the loss of medical equipment and infrastructure, the centre quickly resumed operations, underscoring its role as a critical healthcare provider in the community for over five decades.
The demolition followed a night-time incident in which security guards were held hostage and the building was destroyed using heavy machinery. The centre’s director of Community Health Wing, Iqbal Zahir Majid, highlighted that Radda MCH-FP operates not only through its main facility but also a network of four static clinics in Mirpur-1, Mirpur-10, Mirpur-12, and Uttara, along with more than nine satellite locations across various parts of Dhaka, including Baunia Badh, Bhashantek, Shaympur, Jatrabari, and Jurain. These satellite centres are partially supported by local communities and provide many services free of charge, with approximately 30% of all services offered to beneficiaries without cost.
Nasrin Akhter, a representative of the organisation, explained the centre’s comprehensive approach to maternal, infant, and young child healthcare. Nutrition counselling is formally integrated as a healthcare service across all age groups, with nutritionists available at each centre to assess and manage malnourished children, who are referred to tertiary hospitals when necessary. The services also include essential vaccinations, with a strong focus on measles-rubella and expanded programme on immunisation (EPI) vaccinations.
After the destruction of the main building, the centre established temporary clinics using tents and tarpaulins, providing vaccinations and basic healthcare services despite lacking electricity, water, and other amenities. Staff continued their work outdoors, driven by a sense of responsibility to vulnerable community members, particularly women and children. According to Nasrin, the facility has since managed to resume operations inside the building, with electricity being restored and hopes to reestablish a consistent water supply.
Local residents like Mohammad Afzal Hossain, a shop owner near the centre, expressed both sorrow over the loss of the original facility and appreciation for the continuation of services. Afzal emphasized the centre’s importance, noting that his family has depended on its services for generations and continues to do so.
Radda MCH-FP’s model combines affordable healthcare, community involvement, and outreach programs, including door-to-door visits and courtyard meetings to raise awareness about health, hygiene, and nutrition. The organisation maintains low fees for certain services, such as ultrasounds for pregnant women, while ensuring that many essential services remain accessible to disadvantaged populations. This approach helps retain strong community support and stewardship, which has been critical in keeping satellite centres operational and secure.
Despite the challenges posed by the recent attack, Radda MCH-FP Centre’s swift recovery efforts illustrate its ongoing commitment to providing essential healthcare and support to underserved populations in Dhaka.