Kulaura (Moulvibazar) Correspondent

Fourth-year students of the Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Department at the Bangladesh Health Professions Institute (BHPI) have identified 307 individuals during a 12-day special community survey and service program in Rautgaon Union of Kulaura Upazila. Among those identified, 200 people were found to have speech, language, and communication disorders.

Conducted from October 26 to November 6, the program provided free speech and language therapy, medical consultations, and necessary guidance. The service activities continued on November 8 at CRP in Brahmanbazar Union, Kulaura.

During the survey, students went door-to-door to identify and evaluate individuals suffering from speech impairments, language development delays, articulation issues, voice disorders, hearing-related communication difficulties, and swallowing (eating and drinking) problems. Additionally, they conducted awareness campaigns at various schools and colleges across the upazila regarding speech and language therapy, autism, and children's language development and communication challenges.

The students noted that many people in rural and marginalized areas suffer from communication disorders but fail to receive timely treatment due to a lack of necessary services and awareness. Through such initiatives, it is possible to identify problems early and deliver essential medical and rehabilitation services to the doorstep.

Under the supervision of Md. Monir Hossain, a lecturer in the Department of Speech and Language Therapy at BHPI, the students carried out this survey, therapy, and awareness campaign. Stakeholders believe that ensuring timely therapy and family support can play a positive role in improving communication skills, self-reliance, and overall quality of life.