seemed preposterous to me given the
sizable funding needed. Dr. Khan asked
for the project proposal. It was Kamal's
untiring effort, well supported by the
selfless time of many that the concept
turned into a reality. Dr. Kamal submitted
a detailed proposal, painstakingly developed
with input from Dr. Sharifuzzaman and
Dr. Mahmudur Rahman of Bangladesh, and
Shahab Ahmed (USA), of establishing
four dialysis centers - in Rajshahi,
Bogra, Rangpur and Kushtia. The original
proposal was revised to include a center
in Dhaka that will act as training and
support facility for the other centers.
I want to point out to some notable
aspects of this endeavour.
The late Imdad and Sitara Khan Foundation
(ISKKF) has not only ventured to sponsor
the five centers, it has also provisioned
for free dialysis service for patients
who cannot pay. This type of arrangement
may be the first of its kind in Bangladesh
in the field of dialysis.
The implementation of the project in
Dhaka and the one to be inaugurated
shortly in Rajshahi, has seen the joint
effort of ORCA and non-ORCA members,
including our beloved teacher from the
1970s: Mr. Fazlul Quader, who retired
as Principal, Girls Cadet College, Mymensingh.
The project faced overwhelming hurdles
one after another which delayed everything
by at least a year. But the implementation
team did not lose heart. The project
displayed globalization at work with
the indefatigable Managing Director,
Dr. Kamal, directing from the USA, and
his field units in Bangladesh.
On behalf of all members who had their
concern and input for this project,
I wish to applaud the efforts of Dr.
Kamal, Sufi Hossain Zulfiqar Haider,
Air Commodore (Retd) Golam Tawhid, Dr.
Mahmudur Rahman and Mr. Aminur Rahman.
I wish to make honorable mention of
the efforts of my teacher and mentor,
Mr. Fazlul Quader. I also wish to thank
Independent Dialysis Foundation (IDF)
of Maryland, USA, for its donation of
a number of dialysis machines. It has
enabled us to expand our original plan.
ORCA-USA member Shahab Ahmed contacted
IDF and our hearty thanks to him for
all his efforts. Finally, I want to
thank members of ORCA-USA Executive
Committee for their concern for the
project, and input. May the Almighty
bless everybody's efforts and may the
centers endure countless years serving
suffering Bangladeshis.
Dr. Shaikh Abdul Hamid
President, Old Rajshahi Cadets Association-USA
Chapter (ORCA-USA)
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