Journalists’ Health Highlighted with DRU Eye & Diabetes Camp

The Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) has called for dedicated community clinics for journalists and proposed partnerships with Bangladesh Medical University or other government hospitals to ensure comprehensive healthcare for media personnel.

The demand was raised on Monday, October 6, during an eye and diabetes camp organized for DRU members at the DRU auditorium in Segunbagicha, Dhaka. The initiative was conducted in collaboration with the Lions Club of Dhaka Ideal and the Lions Club of Dhaka Gezends. The camp offered eye and diabetes check-ups for members and their families, awareness programs on childhood cancer and mental health, distribution of free medicines and spectacles, and identification of cataract patients with a commitment to provide free cataract surgeries in the future.

In response, Health Secretary Md. Saidur Rahman said, “We cannot provide healthcare in urban areas alone. Many primary health services are weak. We have requested land from the Public Works Department and will try to overcome these challenges.”

Addressing journalists’ demands, he added, “You have said I have a lot of authority. I do not consider it authority; it is responsibility. We will strive to fulfill our duties, Insha’Allah. Some requests can be addressed once you are registered, which will make granting support easier. Other matters will be considered according to procedure.”

Highlighting the role of voluntary organizations, he said, “NGOs have an important role in healthcare. The government cannot manage such a large population alone. We have already seen their support—for example, during the July public uprising, NGOs assisted in treating the injured.” He further urged personal responsibility for health, emphasizing balanced diet and self-care, stating, “Many are wealthy but not happy, while some live modestly yet contentedly. Happiness lies within oneself.”

DRU President Abu Saleh Akon said, “Our organization has 2,000 members. We sincerely thank the Lions Club of Dhaka Ideal and the Lions Club of Dhaka Gezends for providing free check-ups, medicines, and spectacles for our members. Just as journalists have responsibilities, they must also remain conscious of their health. Awareness can help prevent many diseases.”

General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel highlighted the growing need for eye care among journalists, who work long hours in front of computers, mobile screens, and cameras, leading to eye fatigue, blurred vision, irritation, headaches, and declining eyesight. “Considering members’ needs, free eye and diabetes check-ups, awareness programs, and distribution of medicines and spectacles are being continued,” he added.

The event featured welcoming remarks from DRU Welfare Secretary Rafique Mridha and speeches by Lions Club of Dhaka Ideal Director Nowjat Sarwat Islam, Lions Club of Dhaka Gezends President Md. Riyasat Islam, former DRU Vice President Azmal Haque Helal, senior member Sukumar Sarkar, and Asif Shawkat Kollol. Also present were DRU Executive Committee members Rozina Rozi (Women’s Secretary), Emdadul Haq Khan (Cultural Secretary), and Md. Junaid Hossain (Executive Member).

The program was presided over by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon, with General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel serving as the master of ceremonies.