Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Shahinul Alam has said there was no opportunity for those injured in the July uprising to get proper medical treatment in public and private hospitals before the government changed on August 5.
"Following the change in government, doors opened for the treatment of the injured protesters, and BSMMU promptly took the necessary initiatives in this regard," he said on Monday at a seminar titled "Medical Response of BSMMU to the July Uprising: Surgical and Orthopedic Perspectives," held at the university's A-Block auditorium.
It was revealed at the seminar that over 200 injured individuals received special medical care at BSMMU, as per a press release issued by the university.
The VC further said that, with the support of the current administration, BSMMU’s general and orthopedic surgeons and specialists worked extensively to treat the injured individuals.
Their contributions were particularly significant in treating cuts, gunshot wounds, hemorrhages, fractures, joint and nerve issues, he added.
He emphasized that long-term medical care and rehabilitation have now become necessary for many of the injured, and the university’s administration, along with its doctors and specialists, are actively working in this regard.
In his special address, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development) Professor Dr Md Mujibur Rahman Howlader said that BSMMU played an extraordinary role in treating those injured in the July uprising, particularly in the fields of surgical and orthopedic care.
This contribution significantly aided the recovery of many patients, allowing them to regain their health and gradually return to normal life, he said.
During the seminar, Associate Professor Dr Md Ashraful Islam of the Orthopedic Surgery Department revealed that over 200 injured protesters received specialized treatment from the department.
Among them, 65 patients were admitted for medical care, including 26 with bullet injuries, 21 with pellet injuries, 16 with physical trauma, 15 suffering from spinal pain, and 2 with injuries sustained from falls.
A total of 39 major operations were conducted across various units, he added.
Dr Ashraful Islam revealed that several patients had pellets lodged in their bodies, which caused severe pain and had to be surgically removed.
Most of the surgeries were related to nerve injuries, with different types of nerve surgeries being performed, he said.
