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February 3rd, 2025 ― Doha, Qatar: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has concluded a medical convoy to treat eye diseases in Bangladesh, implemented in cooperation with Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) for the benefit of patients at refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar.
The project was aimed at improving the quality of life of refugees, by providing specialized medical services to restore/improve vision among the beneficiaries. It involved surgical operations to remove cataract, which are among the key causes of visual impairment/loss, as well as pre- and post-procedural care to ensure the best results.
The hospital’s medical professionals performed 600 medical examinations and 180 cataract operations for the refugee patients.
Among the beneficiaries were Fatima (66) and Abdul-Karim (80), who struggled for two years with the frustration of deteriorating vision, which prevented them from doing their basic everyday activities, such as cooking, gardening, and reading.
The cataract surgeries were successful, and the two patients are now restoring their vision and, by extension, their independence and self esteem.
“I can see things clearly now, and I feel greatly independent,” said the old man. “I can read the Holy Quran and take care of my garden. It feels like a gift”.
These stories highlight the profound impact of medical care campaigns, especially in ophthalmology, and how a minor surgery can transform the lives of people in unfortunate communities and give them back their dignity and self-reliance. Fatima, Abdul-Karim, and many other patients turned from frustrated and helpless persons to recovering and optimistic ones.
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About Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS)
Established in 1978, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is Qatar’s first humanitarian and volunteering organization that aims to assist and empower vulnerable individuals and communities without partiality or discrimination.
QRCS is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which consists of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and 191 National Societies. It is also a member of several GCC, Arab, and Islamic organizations, such as the Islamic Committee of International Crescent (ICIC) and the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO). In this legally recognized capacity, QRCS has access to disaster and conflict zones, thus serving as an auxiliary to the State of Qatar in its humanitarian and social efforts — a role that distinguishes it from other local charities and NGOs.
Both locally and internationally, QRCS has relief and development operations in numerous countries throughout the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Central and South America. Its humanitarian mandates include disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and risk reduction. To mitigate the impact of disasters and improve the livelihoods of affected populations, QRCS provides medical services, food, water, shelter, and other needs of local communities. It is also active at the humanitarian diplomacy and advocacy front.
With the help of a vast network of trained, committed staff and volunteers, QRCS aspires to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity, inspired by the seven Fundamental Principles of humanitarian action: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality