Moroke Sekoboto
IN a dedicated effort to tackle pressing healthcare challenges in Lesotho, the Bangladesh Welfare Association-Lesotho (BWAL) recently organised a free medical camp in Linotšing, Leribe district.
BWAL also distributed winter clothing and handed over a newly renovated house to a needy family there.
These initiatives were designed to benefit both the Bangladeshi diaspora and Basotho in far-flung rural Linotšing, underscoring the importance of compassion and partnership in improving access to healthcare.
Led by BWAL Secretary General Engr Abdullah-Al-Hussain, the event embodied a strong sense of community service.
Mr Al-Hussain shared his vision of creating a nurturing environment for Bangladeshis in Lesotho while building positive relationships with the local population.
“Today is a day of care, compassion, and community spirit. We have come together not just to provide services, but to share love, dignity, and hope — especially with those who need it most,” Mr Al-Hussain said.
The medical camp reached about 400 patients, offering essential consultations and medications.
Mr Al-Hussain highlighted the acute difficulties faced by rural residents in accessing healthcare.
“Access to healthcare is a real challenge in rural areas like here, and your presence today is a blessing to us. May this camp bring healing and good health to many families,” he said.
He also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the volunteer healthcare professionals who joined BWAL in serving the Linotšing community.
In addition to medical care, BWAL distributed warm clothing to vulnerable groups, focusing on children and the elderly, who are most affected by Lesotho’s harsh winters.
“These items may seem small, but they carry great warmth and meaning,” Mr Al-Hussain said, reaffirming BWAL’s commitment to supporting the community through the cold season.
A key moment of the event was the presentation of a renovated house to a local family, symbolising hope and the power of collective support.
“To the family receiving this house, we celebrate with you. This is not just a building but a symbol of how, when we stand together, we can build better lives,” Mr Al-Hussain said.
Representing the Ministry of Health, Dr Puseletso Seisa addressed the severe doctor shortage in Lesotho, where a single physician may serve up to 25,000 patients — far above the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s recommended ratio of one doctor per 10, 000 patients.
“Although the Ministry of Health is working very hard to bring more doctors and to ensure that Lesotho has more specialised trained Basotho doctors, the shortage remains,” Dr Seisa said.
He underscored the significance of BWAL’s medical camp in alleviating some of the burden on local health services, noting that the camp had also helped residents of communities from other parts of Leribe, outside Linotšing.
“Health services are critical and all Basotho deserve access to quality healthcare regardless of their geographical location,” he added.
BWAL’s ongoing initiatives, including similar outreach programmes in regions like Semonkong located in the rugged Maseru highlands, highlight the critical role of community partnerships in addressing healthcare needs in Lesotho.
By fostering collaboration and bridging cultural divides, BWAL sets a powerful example of how collective action can address significant social challenges and uplift vulnerable communities.
Meanwhile, the free medical camp initiative also received praise from Thabo Maretlane, the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) legislator for the Thaba-Phatšoa constituency (within which Linotšing is located), who stressed the importance of ensuring equitable healthcare access regardless of location.
“It’s always heartwarming to see the diaspora community in Lesotho, comprising different nationalities, demonstrating generosity through gestures of this nature,” he said.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Tšeliso Mokhosi, who was also present, commended BWAL’s efforts and mentioned plans to bring Bangladeshi doctors to Lesotho to further reduce healthcare disparities, especially in remote areas.
“It’s admirable that as BWAL you are leading the initiative to bring Bangladeshi doctors to Lesotho to bridge the health services gap,” Mr Mokhosi said.