Oxygen Bank saves lives
Ruman Uddin was suffering from fever for several days. At midnight on 8 June, he suddenly developed breathing complications. A businessman from Uttara in the capital, Ruman was taken to hospital, but the authorities did not admit him. His oxygen levels began falling fast.
In such an emergency, Ruman’s sister Touhida Begum, a physician by profession, called Iqbal Tanzir for an oxygen cylinder. Tanzir informed them of Oxygen Bank. Soon the oxygen was delivered to Ruman and he was saved.
The user has to deposit 10,000 taka for security, but no fee for the oxygen, said Mohammad Wahid Hossain, executive chairman of Pay It Forward, who added that the deposit is later returned to the user. Cylinders are also delivered without deposit under special circumstances.
The Oxygen Bank is assisting many such families during the coronavirus pandemic. Volunteer organisations Pay It Forward, Manush Manusher Jonnyo and Nesar Foundation launched this exceptional initiative for people.
Originally initiated in Chattogram, the enterprise has spread to many parts of the country including Dhaka, Rajshahi and Jashore. Oxygen Bank also offers telemedicine for patients.
Saiful Islam Nesar, resident of Chattogram, and a member of the directors’ board of Pay It Forward, first conceived the idea and began working with only one cylinder on 4 June.
“We were worried as people had been dying due to the lack of oxygen supply. We took initiative for an oxygen bank. Already, Nesar Ahmed began working with a cylinder. We joined him,” said Badal Sayed, initiator of Pay It Forward.
Later, Manusher Jonnyo Manush, too, joined in the initiative. Some 25 Rotary Clubs of Dhaka and Chattogram assisted in the process. Pay It Forward and well-wishers funded the enterprise.
The user has to deposit 10,000 taka for security, but no fee for the oxygen, said Mohammad Wahid Hossain, executive chairman of Pay It Forward, who added that the deposit is later returned to the user. Cylinders are also delivered without deposit under special circumstances.
The bank now owns 50 cylinders in Chattogram and launched formal operation in Dhaka with 100 cylinders on 17 June. On the same day, it was initiated in Jashore and Rajshahi too. Cox’s Bazar, Khulna and Sylhet will be included in the next week.
“I don’t know how to express my gratitude to them,” said Touhida Begum, sister of Ruman. “We couldn’t imagine we could receive oxygen at midnight. This is a very good initiative.”