Outpatient department at National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital reopens

The outpatient department of Dhaka’s National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital (NIOH) has reopened on Wednesday after being closed for more than two weeks.

However, the hospital's indoor services remained closed on Wednesday.

NIOH Director Dr Khair Ahmed Choudhury told bdnews24.com, "The outdoor and emergency are open today. Our hope is that the hospital will operate at full swing from Saturday if there aren’t any obstacles."

Khair said that police were on guard at the NIOH on Wednesday as well.

"The police presence has been increased slightly because doctors and nurses should not suffer from insecurity and so there is no fear among them."

The director said that an expert board formed to assess the injured in the July Uprising had called 54 people in the hospital. Of those called, about 30 had spoken to the board, while about 20 had not.

"After seeing the 30 people, the board said they can be treated. Of them, 4-5 people need additional treatment and have been told to shift to the hospital. If they want to come for follow-up later, the medical colleges will refer them to the National Institute of Ophthalmology & Hospital. None of them need to get treatment at NIOH now."

Asked whether the hospital had given them discharge papers, he said: "They were given discharge papers before Eid. They did not take them. They went home for Eid leave without telling anyone. There were six people staying in the hospital until Wednesday. They do not need to stay either."

On May 28, employees of the NIOH began a work stoppage, which led to clashes with those injured during the Anti-discrimination Student Movement and the families of patients.

Army personnel arrived around noon and tried to bring the situation under control. It was eventually brought under control in the afternoon. After that, doctors and employees stopped coming to the hospital. They demanded additional security, alleging attacks had been conducted on doctors and employees.

As a result, medical care at the country's largest eye care hospital was suspended. However, emergency services at NIOH resumed on Jun 5.