DHAKA, Nov 6, 2025 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has taken a significant initiative to encourage its members, officials, employees, and their families to avail advanced medical and diagnostic services within the country instead of seeking treatment abroad.

In this regard, the BGMEA signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) today with 10 leading healthcare institutions, including nine renowned hospitals and one diagnostic center, to provide special healthcare benefits at discounted rates to its members and employees.

Under these agreements, BGMEA members, officials, employees, and their dependents will be able to access advanced medical and diagnostic services from these institutions at special discounted prices, said a BGMEA press release.

The MoU signing ceremony was held at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, with BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan in the chair. First Vice President Selim Rahman, Senior Vice President Enamul Haque Khan, Vice President Md. Rezwan Selim, Vice President (Finance) Mizanur Rahman, Directors Shah Rayeed Chowdhury, Faisal Samad, Md. Hasib Uddin, Nafis-ud-Dowla, and Enamul Aziz Chowdhury were also present, along with representatives of the participating healthcare institutions. The event was coordinated by BGMEA Director Shah Rayeed Chowdhury.

The organizations that signed the MoUs with BGMEA include Bangladesh Eye Hospital and Institute Ltd., Dhaka Central International Medical College and Hospital, Labaid Group Ltd., Labaid Cancer Hospital and Super Specialty Centre, LifePlus Bangladesh Ltd. (Digital Healthcare Platform), Popular Diagnostic Centre Ltd., Praava Health Bangladesh Ltd., Samorita Hospital Ltd., United Hospital Ltd., and United Healthcare Services Ltd.

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan signed the MoUs on behalf of the association.

Dr. Mahbubur Rahman Chowdhury, Chairman of Bangladesh Eye Hospital and Institute Ltd.; Hadiul Karim Khan, Head of Marketing, Dhaka Central International Medical College and Hospital; Sharif Mohammad Abid, CEO of Labaid Group, on behalf of Labaid Group, Labaid Cancer Hospital and Super Specialty Centre, and LifePlus Bangladesh Ltd.; Achintya Kumar Nag, Deputy General Manager and Head of HR and Administration, Popular Diagnostic Centre Ltd.; Mohammad Abdul Matin Imon, CEO of Praava Health Bangladesh Ltd.; Dr. Saifuddin Ahmed Sajib, Consultant and CEO of Samorita Hospital Ltd.; Malik Talha Ismail Bari, Managing Director and CEO of United Hospital Ltd.; and Mohammad Faizur Rahman, CEO of United Healthcare Services Ltd represented their respective organizations in the signings of MoUs.

Speaking on the occasion, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan announced that BGMEA is planning to establish a hospital in the Gazipur/Ashulia industrial area to provide affordable and quality healthcare services for garment workers. He added that the country's top hospitals and diagnostic centers would be involved in operating the proposed hospital. He described the MoU signing as the first step towards implementing this initiative.

BGMEA Director Shah Rayeed Chowdhury delivered the welcome speech, stating that this initiative would ensure a more secure and healthy future for the entrepreneurs in the apparel industry.

BGMEA Director Faisal Samad urged the participating hospitals to set up dedicated "Help Desks" for BGMEA members to facilitate easy access to the services under the MoUs.

Representatives of the healthcare institutions expressed their satisfaction and pride in partnering with BGMEA to support the garment sector and called upon BGMEA leaders to invest in further strengthening the country's healthcare sector.