A delegation from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), led by Mr. Reed Aeschliman, Mission Director of USAID Bangladesh visited the program activities of Social Marketing Company (SMC) on January 30, 2024 in Gazipur area. The members of the delegation visited a Blue Star outlet “Ridisha Medicine Corner” owned by Mr. M. Asaduzzaman, Blue Star Provider (BSP) at Bhushir Mill, Gazipur. During the visit, Mr. Aeschliman discussed with the provider about the growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) services for children under five years, clients flow, privacy standards, injectable administration status, counseling techniques and referral services. Mr. Aeschliman also observed record keeping and reporting mechanism.
Mr. Toslim Uddin Khan, Managing Director & CEO, SMC and Mr. Sayef Uddin Nasir, Managing Director, SMC Enterprise Limited (SMC EL) along with other senior officials of both companies accompanied them and facilitated the visit. Mr. Khan briefed the USAID team about the objectives and impact of the Blue Star program as well as an overview of other program activities of SMC linked with Blue Star network. The team was very impressed to see the branding of the outlet as well as overall activities of the Blue Star program.
On the same day, the team also visited the ORS manufacturing plant and central warehouse at Bhaluka, Mymensingh. They observed the production processes and quality control systems of the factory. Mr. Aktaruzzaman Bhuyain, General Manager, Bhaluka Factory and his team facilitated visitors to demonstrate the operational excellence of the factory. Mr. Aeschliman planted a tree at the factory premise remembering the occasion.
