Medical services at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital (NIOH) in Dhaka remain suspended for the third consecutive day on Friday, following clashes between hospital staff and patients who sustained injuries in July uprising, leaving hundreds without critical eye care.
The media’s visit to the hospital in the morning showed empty doctor cabins and nurse stations, with new patients returning home untreated and follow-up cases leaving in a limbo. Most of the regular patients opted for treatment elsewhere, while some remain stranded at the public eye hospital.
Meanwhile, patients complained that they have not received treatment or inpatient food and other services for the past three days. Some alleged that the hospital authorities want to evict the uprising victims to resume ‘syndicate operations’ with select patients.
NIOH Director Khair Ahmed Chowdhury on Thursday claimed that 90 per cent of the uprising-related patients were fit for discharge, suggesting transfers for others. Acting Director Zane Alam confirmed reporters on Friday that services here remain paralysed with no timeline for resumption: “No staff can enter. We lack even patient occupancy data.”
Police remain deployed as a precaution. However, no fresh incidents were reported on Friday. Assistant Ansar Commander Amrita Bala stated that the situation remains “abnormal”, citing the absence of staff members for an indefinite period.
The crisis began on Wednesday when a group of July uprising victims allegedly attacked hospital staff, triggering a broader clash involving patients and attendants.
Hospital Director Khair Ahmed Choudhury reported injuries to doctors and nurses. Staff residences were also targeted. Later, police and army personnel rushed in to intervene, but medical staff initiated an indefinite work stoppage citing safety concerns.
Approximately 150 of the hospital’s 250 inpatients have departed as of Thursday, while daily outpatient services for nearly 1,800 people remain suspended.
July victims allege medical negligence and malpractice, denying attack claims and stating they were protesting poor treatment. But hospital staff counter that patients have behaved aggressively, referencing Monday’s suicide attempt by four patients and Tuesday’s confinement of the director.
Police remain deployed as the institution, crucial for eye care, faces its operational halt.