Following the attack on doctors and other service providers at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital (NIOH) on May 29, medical professionals and staff are currently experiencing extreme insecurity, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in an official statement issued on Saturday. Since the interim government assumed responsibility, specialist doctors at this hospital have been providing the highest standard of medical care.
Due to this unfortunate incident, all service providers have been left feeling unsafe, leading to the suspension of medical services at the hospital since May 29. As a result, most admitted patients have left the hospital. Currently, only the wounded freedom fighters of the July uprising remain under care. While all other services remain halted, special arrangements have been made to ensure food and necessary supplies for the July uprising injured as a mark of respect.
This situation has severely disrupted eye care services for patients coming from across the country. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused to all affected patients, the statement went on to say.
To resolve the crisis, a delegation has been sent to the National Institute of Ophthalmology. The delegation is holding discussions with the injured as well as specialist doctors and other service providers to ensure their security. A positive outcome from these talks is expected soon. Once a conducive environment for medical services is restored, all necessary measures will be taken to resume full operations at the hospital, they added.
As an interim measure, the statement advised patients requiring urgent eye care to seek treatment at the ophthalmology departments of nearby hospitals.
For four consecutive days on Saturday, the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital in Dhaka has remained shut, suspending medical services. The closure follows clashes between staff and protesters injured during the July uprising, leaving hundreds of patients from across the country in dire straits.
The tensions escalated after four injured protesters attempted suicide by consuming poison last Sunday, demanding better treatment. Later, they confined the hospital director at Suhrawardy Hospital. Since then, staff have been on strike, demanding safety assurances.