Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Mar 1, 2026 (BSS) – Managing Director of the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust Muhammad Abdullah today said an initiative has been taken to introduce a ‘Health Card’ for journalists to ensure structured and sustainable medical support.

He said treatment expenses remain one of the major challenges for journalists. Although financial assistance is currently provided to those suffering from critical illnesses, the support is neither regular nor institutionalised. Once assistance is given, there is limited scope for extending further support over a prolonged period.

“To address this gap, we have taken steps to build a permanent healthcare support system. The board has already given policy approval to launch the Health Card for journalists,” he said.

Abdullah was speaking as the chief guest at a cheque distribution ceremony for financial assistance and educational scholarships for meritorious children of journalists from Khulna and Satkhira regions.

The programme was held at the Humayun Kabir Balu Auditorium of Khulna Press Club this morning, supported by the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust and organised by the Metropolitan Journalists Union, Khulna.

He said a comprehensive database of journalists will be prepared first. Based on registration, Health Cards will be issued, enabling cardholders to receive medical assistance from the Trust.

The programme will initially be launched in Dhaka and later expanded to divisional and district levels.

At the event, cheques worth around Tk 9 lakh were distributed among journalists from Khulna and Satkhira districts.

He said the scholarship programme for journalists’ meritorious children has been continuing since 2015 and has provided significant encouragement, particularly over the past 18 months.