When Momena Begum first arrived in Dhaka from Gopalganj, her introduction to the city wasn’t marked by a visit to a hospital but by a sense of uncertainty. Her son, Yamin, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia at the age of eleven, necessitating a move to a city unfamiliar to them. Struggling with the loss of her husband nine years prior, they settled in a slum in Dakshinkhan due to financial constraints.
The challenges of cancer treatment extended beyond the medical diagnosis to encompass logistical burdens such as rent, food, transportation, and the lack of a stable living situation. However, Momena’s situation took a positive turn when a fellow patient at the hospital introduced her to a place called Mosabbir Alok Nibash.
Expressing her satisfaction, Momena shared, “Since coming here, I really like this place. The food, accommodations, and the supportive environment have made me feel at ease. I have been coming here regularly for the past three and a half years.” For families like Momena’s, Mosabbir Alok Nibash is not just a charitable gesture but a lifeline for continuity.
In Bangladesh, cancer care is predominantly centered in Dhaka, requiring patients from distant districts like Moulvibazar, Mymensingh, or Gopalganj to travel without adequate housing or family support. Rebeka Akter, a patient coordinator at Mosabbir Alok Nibash, witnesses this struggle daily as patients arrive without proper accommodation or meals.
Rebeka explains, “Patients coming from outside Dhaka usually don’t have a place to stay or eat. Here, they can stay free of charge. We provide accommodation, food, and transport for both the patient and their attendant.” She often visits government hospitals to identify patients sleeping in inadequate conditions, offering them the support they need.
For individuals like Salma, who journeyed from Moulvibazar for her child’s treatment, finding a bed, meals, and transportation at Mosabbir Alok Nibash was a significant improvement from sleeping on hospital floors. Expressing her gratitude, Salma mentioned, “It feels good. Very good. Whatever is provided, I am grateful.”
Mosabbir Alok Nibash, established by cancer survivor and entrepreneur Najmus Ahmed Albab, aims to provide comprehensive support to patients undergoing treatment. Saad M Ahmed, the Facility Manager, highlights the facility’s efforts to ensure nutritious meals tailored to individual needs, strict hygiene protocols, and comfortable accommodations for patients and their attendants.
With plans to expand and build a 250-bed cancer care unit, Mosabbir Alok Nibash continues to serve as a beacon of hope for patients from rural areas facing the challenges of cancer treatment. Beyond medical interventions, the facility focuses on providing holistic care and support to alleviate the burdens of displacement and isolation faced by cancer patients.
While Mosabbir Alok Nibash cannot eradicate cancer entirely, it plays a crucial role in alleviating the emotional and logistical burdens patients face during their battle against the disease. For individuals like Momena Begum, the facility represents a sanctuary where they can find respite and support during their fight for survival.