On December 10, 2025, an initiative was taken to launch a groundbreaking digital hospital pilot project aimed at ensuring quality primary healthcare and mental health support for garment industry workers and their family members.

To this end, a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed yesterday (Wednesday) at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka, among the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), ICT-enabled healthcare platform Olwel BD Limited, and leading pharmaceutical company Nuvista Pharma PLC.

The MoU was signed on behalf of BGMEA by Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan; on behalf of Olwel BD Limited by its Chairman Mujahidul Haq Abul Hasanat; and on behalf of Nuvista Pharma PLC by its Managing Director S. M. Rabbur Reza.

The MoU signing ceremony, chaired by BGMEA Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan, was attended by Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology and former BGMEA Administrator Md. Anwar Hossain; BGMEA Vice President Md. Shehab Udduza Chowdhury; Directors Shah Rayeed Chowdhury and Mohammed Abdur Rahim; Chairman of Mirpur Health Care Center Khandaker Mahidur Rahman Shaheen; CEO of Olwel Farhad Ahmed; along with senior officials from the three organizations.

It is noteworthy that BGMEA’s recent health-related initiatives have been undertaken under the dedicated efforts and overall supervision of BGMEA Director Shah Rayeed Chowdhury.

Under the MoU:

• Olwel will provide the core ICT-enabled healthcare platform, ensuring 24/7 digital General Practitioner (GP) consultations, follow-ups, and secure electronic health record management.

• Nuvista Pharma will co-finance the project and establish a structured referral network to ensure easy access to essential gynecological and reproductive healthcare services for workers.

• Initially, 5,000 workers will be covered under this pilot project, with plans to include an additional 5,000 workers after three months. Gradually, all factories will be brought under the project.

It may be mentioned that the current BGMEA Board has consistently undertaken several initiatives to ensure the health and well-being of garment industry owners and workers, the latest addition being this tripartite MoU.

At the event, Nuvista Pharma PLC Managing Director S. M. Rabbur Reza and Olwel BD Limited Chairman and Co-founder Mujahidul Haq Abul Hasanat also addressed the audience.