Hospital Services Suspended Since Wednesday
Services at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital (NIOH) in Agargaon, Dhaka, have been stopped for four straight days. Patients who are coming to the hospital are being turned away without treatment, as the gates are still closed on 31 May 2025.
No Announcement on When Hospital Will Reopen
So far, the hospital authorities have not given any date for when services will start again. Many patients are leaving disappointed after coming from far distances.
Why Did the Staff Stop Working?
The staff at NIOH began their work stoppage on Wednesday morning (28 May). They are demanding more security after a group of injured protesters from the July Uprising reportedly attacked hospital staff during a protest for safety.
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15 Hospital Staff Injured in Clash
According to Prof Dr Khair Ahmed Chowdhury, the Director of the hospital, at least 15 people, including doctors, nurses, and other staff, were injured during the incident. The attackers used sticks and rods, broke windows of the staff quarters, and vandalised the operation theatre and the anaesthesia department.
He said that the group attacked anyone they found, causing fear and chaos inside the hospital.
Hospital Authorities Waiting for Security Assurance
Dr Zan-E-Alam, the acting director, said that doctors and staff are not ready to return to work unless their security is fully ensured.
“We are in contact with the necessary departments to fix the situation,” he said.
“But until now, we haven’t received any clear promise about the security of our staff,” he added.
Dr Zan-E-Alam also said that the hospital is trying to restart services quickly, but at the same time, they have to make sure that nothing like this happens again.
July Uprising Group Denies the Attack
The group of injured protesters from the July Uprising has denied all accusations. They say they did not attack the hospital or the staff.
Source: TBS
