Orbis International has expressed its willingness to expand services for the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals in Cox’s Bazar who have been badly affected by a devastating fire that razed refugee camps there.
A statement from the headquarters of Orbis International said on Wednesday that services at the Orbis Vision Centre located in the camps are running, “with staff available to support those in need of eye care”.
“We will continue to work with the refugee population where possible during this difficult time,” it said.
The devastating fire broke out in the refugee camps on Monday leading to the loss of lives and the displacement of thousands of people.
The statement said the Orbis Vision Centre located just over a kilometre away from the fire has remained unaffected with all its staff members being safe.
The global organisation, which is dedicated to saving sight worldwide, has expressed sympathy for the affected refugees.
“Our hearts go out to the many thousands of people impacted by the devastating fire within the camps in South East Bangladesh, to a community which has already experienced such extreme adversity, hardship, and loss,” the statement said.
Orbis International Country Director for Bangladesh Dr Munir Ahmed also expressed sympathy for the affected people.
“We are heartbroken for the fire victims,” he said.
Dr Munir said, “We’ve kept a close eye on the situation at the refugee camps. We’re thinking of expanding eye care services following the fire."
