The National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital in Agargaon, Dhaka, resumed limited medical services on Wednesday (June 4), reopening its emergency department after a week-long suspension following clashes between doctors, staff, and patients injured in the July uprising.
Patients were allowed entry around 8:45 a.m., with emergency services beginning at 10 a.m. Acting Director Jane Alam confirmed that while emergency care has resumed, extended treatment beyond immediate needs is still on hold. The hospital is undergoing cleaning and preparation, and the number of on-duty doctors has not been confirmed.
The reopening follows a meeting between injured patients and senior health officials, including Director General of DGHS Professor Abu Zafar. A follow-up meeting at the ministry led to the decision to resume limited services, with ophthalmologists from four institutions assigned to assess the injured patients.
Patients like Rafiqul Islam from Gaibandha and Ismail Hossain from Bhola, who had been waiting for days, expressed relief at finally gaining access to care. Full services remain suspended pending further decisions from the health ministry.
