"It is a blessing from God", said Rashida, 35, who came to the centre from a far away village. Sitting beside her at the congested waiting room, Mamala, 40, Monwara, 25 and Rabeya, 15 were all praise for the doctors and other staff.

The waiting room was crammed with women and children. Long queues stretched beyond the corridor.

Marium, 15, cradling her six-month daughter, was preparing to leave. She came for treatment of her frail daughter. The doctor said her daughter will be alright if she is fed enough breast milk.

"This is a good advice I did not know. They (doctor) also advised me to take vegetables. If I take enough good food, my daughter will get enough milk", the smiling teenaged mother said.

Many women like her were happy after getting free medicine or advice.

The health centre caters to the needs of about one lakh poor people in the remote area, about 20 kilometres from the Upazila Health Complex.

Dr. Humayun Kabir, in-charge of the centre, said a large number of poor women and child came here for treatment every day.

About 30,000 patients have been treated since it was set up in July last year.

"Those who went to quacks earlier now come here for free advice and medicine".

But supply of medicine is inadequate. The government gives Tk 20,000 a month for buying medicine, which too inadequate to the need. He said he has appealed to the authorities to raise the amount.

"If necessary, we refer patients to the Sadar Hospital at the district town", he said.

The health centre comprises only two rooms and has 11 staff.

Dr. Humayun Kabir said creating awareness about diseases is the main problem. Most of the people are illiterate fishermen or farmers.

Sources at the centre said one Khorshed Hazari of the area has donated three acres of land for turning the centre into a hospital. The LGED (Local Government and Engineering Department) has prepared a plan to construct a two-storied building for the proposed hospital but funds are yet to be sanctioned.