54 Lives Changed: How a 10-Day Medical Mission in Sylhet Brought Hope

A 10-day medical mission in Sylhet, Bangladesh, has transformed the lives of 54 patients, most of them children. The 9th Rotaplast mission provided free reconstructive surgeries to correct cleft-lip, cleft-palate, facial deformities, and burns. A formal closing ceremony marked the end of the programme, attended by local officials and international volunteers.

The mission was led by Dr Michael Berger, with support from fellow surgeons Dr Uwe Dötsch and Dr Jochen Jakstat. Over 24 volunteers from different countries took part, including reconstructive plastic surgeons, anaesthesiologists, paediatricians, speech pathologists, orthodontists, and nurses. Their work was carried out in partnership with the Rotary Club of Jalalabad and Sylhet Women's Medical College Hospital.

Chevron Bangladesh partially sponsored the initiative, which focused on life-changing procedures for patients in need. Ted Alex, mission director of Rotaplast, and Todd Farnworth, medical director, were present alongside local leaders. Professor Md Ismail Patwary, vice-chancellor of Sylhet Medical University, and Shoaib Ahmed Matin, chairman of Rotaplast Mission 2026, also attended the closing event. The surgeries addressed a range of conditions, from congenital deformities to severe burns. Each patient received specialised care tailored to their needs, with the team working around the clock during the 10-day mission.

The 9th Rotaplast mission in Sylhet concluded with 54 successful surgeries, offering new hope to patients and their families. The collaboration between international volunteers, local medical teams, and sponsors ensured the programme's success. Future missions are expected to build on this effort, continuing to provide essential care in the region.