History and Identity

Gonoshasthaya Kendra – the Owner of Gonoshasthaya Pharmaceuticals Limited (GPL)

Gonoshasthaya is a Bangla word which is composed of two words – Gono and Shasthaya – meaning “People” and “Health” respectively while Kendra is “Centre” Bangla.

Gonoshasthaya Kendra ( People’s Health Centre ), popularly known as GK was established as a 480 bed hospital for the freedom fighters during the war of independence in 1971.During the war the hospital was known as Bangladesh Hospital.

With the objective of taking Medicare to the rural people, the foundation was laid in Savar, 37 kilometers of the capital Dhaka. The pledge was to carry out struggle for survival, for transition from darkness to light, from bondage to freedom.

Soon it was clear that health system is not independent of the socio-economic reality. Only health care is not enough to keep one healthy. Sound health requires food, nutrition, shelter, environment and education.

Thus GK is not only dedicated to take Medicare to rural people but also determined to have an array of cares to assist the common people in the struggle to remake their destiny. Special trainings are provided to the workers to develop dignity of labour, to understand the essence of co-operative life and to express solidarity with the toiling masses. The daily schedule of GK features work, study and practice – efforts for building a new society with new brand artisans.

With continuous understanding of problems of the broad masses of people, changes were incorporated in the planning. New projects were planned for boosting up the spirit for work. Now GK has more than 30 multi-purpose projects related to health ,education,

Development of women, environment, social afforestation, agricultural credit and agro – vet spread over almost the whole country.

GK’s efforts earned world acclaim with the recognition by Swedish Youth Peace Prize back in 1974. Its activities in health and family planning sector were recognized Independence Day Award, the highest national award of Bangladesh in 1977.For GK’s leadership in the development of community healthcare and national drug policy, GK was honored with the Ramon Magsaysay Award, popularly known as Asian Nobel Prize in 1985.For GK’s vision and work contributing towards healing this planet and uplisting the humanity, GK was awarded the right Livelihood Award, known as the Alternative Nobel prize, in 1992.