National Institute of Ophthalmology(NIO) and Hospital in Agargaon, Dhaka, reopens on Wednesday after a week-long closure following a violent clash between hospital staff and July uprising injured popularly known as “July Fighters.”
The emergency department resumed operations on Wednesday morning, while outpatient services are scheduled to restart from Thursday.
The shutdown began on May 29, when tensions flared up between hospital employees and a group of patients referred to as “July Fighters.” The situation escalated after staff went on a work stoppage, leading to scuffles and altercations in the hospital premises. Although military personnel intervened to bring the situation under control, it took until the afternoon for calm to be fully restored.
In the wake of the incident, both doctors and staff demanded improved security and observed a work stoppage that lasted until Tuesday. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has formed an investigative committee to look into the matter.
The disruption severely impacted patients from across the country, many of whom rely on the NIO as the country’s leading public ophthalmic care center.
Professor Dr. Md. Abu Jafar, Director General of Health Services DGHS, told reporters that both parties involved in the clash have submitted complaints. “Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation,” he said.
Additionally, a separate medical board has been formed to assess whether members of the “July Fighters” require specialized eye treatment. This board includes ophthalmologists from the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Ispahani Islamia Eye Institute, Dhaka Medical College, and Bangladesh Medical College.
