Medical services at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital (NIOH) in Agargaon, Dhaka, resumed on a limited scale on Wednesday morning, with emergency services reopening after a week-long closure.
Patients who had been waiting at the hospital gate were allowed inside around 8:45am. By 10am, the emergency department began providing services.
The hospital authorities said services have resumed on a limited basis and that those requiring long-term treatment will, for now, have to leave after receiving emergency care.
Dr Zan-E-Alam Mridha, acting director of the hospital, told a Bangla daily that if anyone needs additional treatment after emergency care, that will not be provided at this time.
He could not provide a definite answer regarding how many doctors have reported to the hospital. “The hospital has just reopened. Initially, cleaning and maintenance work will be done. The exact number of doctors available cannot be specified yet.”
The hospital’s services were suspended on May 28 after clashes broke out between doctors, staff, and patients injured during the July uprising.
Earlier, on Tuesday afternoon, DGHS Director General Prof Dr Md Abu Jafor and several officials from the ministry, directorate, and hospital held a meeting with the injured patients.
After nearly three hours of discussion, Jafor told reporters that talks were held about reopening limited services, including the emergency department.
However, the final decision will be made by the ministry, he said.
Later, a meeting was held at the ministry.
After the meeting, Md Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the interim government, said that emergency services at the hospital would resume from Wednesday.
Eye specialists from four institutions will examine the injured patients to assess the extent of their problems and advise where they should seek treatment, Sayedur said.