The Jibon Tari was purpose-built as a hospital boat in 1999 and is owned and managed by Impact Foundation Bangladesh. Its operating costs are funded by private contributions and by the Impact organisation internationally (http://www.impactfoundationbd.org).
The boat visits different regions of Bangladesh and normally stays around 3 months in an area.The organizers publicize the boat and dates of surgical camps in surrounding villages. Medical and support staff live on board the boat for the duration of a 3-month project.The boat has its own water treatment plant to treat river water, and its own electricity generator.
Surgeons come from Dhaka and from overseas, many on a voluntary basis. They perform many different types of surgery to correct disabilities including: ENT and cleft lip surgery; orthopaedic and prosthetic surgery; and surgery for specific conditions such as hydrocephalus. Patients receive treatment at minimal or no cost, depending on their financial circumstances.
Donations to support the work of the Jibon Tari can be made to the Impact Foundation UK:
