Digital Healthcare Bring New Hope to Cancer Patients in Sitakunda
The fight against cancer is not only physical but also emotional and psychological. For patients facing prolonged treatment, uncertainty, anxiety, and social pressure, restoring peace of mind is just as important as receiving medical care. In an effort to bring comfort and hope to their lives, music has now been introduced alongside healthcare services. A special day-long initiative in Sitakunda brought together free medical consultations, mental health support, and music-based therapeutic activities for cancer patients.
Organized by the international organization Sing for Hope, and jointly implemented by Grameen Healthtech Limited’s digital healthcare platform Shukhee, MFSS, and MFJF, the initiative highlighted the concept of music healing—using music to promote emotional well-being and mental relaxation. Patients were given the opportunity to listen to music based on their personal preferences. Their blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rate variability (HRV) were monitored before and after the sessions to explore the immediate physiological and emotional responses associated with listening to music.
Through Grameen Healthtech Limited’s Shukhee and Shukhee Gram initiatives, patients received free medical consultations, health assessments, and mental health support through online connections with experienced physicians and mental health professionals. Supported by local link workers, the services placed particular emphasis on regular patient follow-ups, emotional support, and involving family members in the treatment process.
During a discussion titled “Shukhee Gram: Digital Expansion of Cancer Care and the Importance of Mental Health Services,” Dr. Hossain Md. Al-Amin, Chief of Research, Analytics and Customer Experience at Grameen Healthtech Limited, highlighted the need to integrate physical and mental healthcare into cancer treatment. He explained the importance of ensuring continuous healthcare for patients in remote areas through technology-enabled services, music-based emotional support, and regular community-based follow-ups.
Research in medical science has explored the potential of music-based supportive interventions to help reduce anxiety, psychological stress, and the perception of pain. However, music is not a substitute for primary cancer treatment. Rather, when used alongside conventional medical care, it may help improve patients’ emotional well-being and overall quality of life.
Other speakers at the event included Md. Solaiman Russell, Chief Technology and Chief Business Officer of Grameen Healthtech Limited; Rokeya Sultana, Chief Operating Officer; Saif Ahmed Chowdhury, Chief Financial Officer; Mohammad Abul Hossain Bongobashi, Strategic Adviser; Mohammad Alamgir, Executive Director of OPCA; Master Abul Kashem, Chairman of the Sitakunda Health and Education Trust; Shahidullah Manik, Assistant Director of the District Social Services Office and Supervisor of the P.H.T. Centre; Furkan Abu, President of the Sitakunda Press Club; Md. Tajmul Hossain, Upazila Youth Development Officer; and Lutfun Nessa Begum, Upazila Social Services Officer.
The event was chaired by Kawsar Ahmed Sarowary, President of the Mohsin-Fatema Siddiqui Somaj Kollyan Shongstha (MFSS) . The closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Ahmed Arman Siddiqui, Chief Executive Officer of Grameen Healthtech Limited and Chief Adviser to MFSS.
The central message of the initiative was clear: cancer patients need more than medicine. They also need emotional comfort, compassionate support, and the courage to keep moving forward. By bringing together the healing power of music, the accessibility of digital technology, and the compassion of community-based care, this initiative in Sitakunda demonstrated a promising approach to more integrated and patient-centered cancer care.
