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Dhaka, June 10, 2025 – The National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar is grappling with a severe bed shortage, leaving critical patients without proper accommodation. Despite admitting patients to the emergency department, the hospital struggles to allocate beds due to some patients refusing to leave even after being discharged.
A notable case involves Anwar Hossain, who sustained a serious eye injury caused by a bamboo stick on Eid day. Arriving from Tangail in the morning, Hossain was admitted but could not be assigned a bed due to the ongoing crisis. Sources reveal that many patients, particularly those injured in July protests, continue to occupy beds despite no longer requiring hospital treatment. A special committee recommended discharging 30 such patients, yet they remain in the B-Block of the hospital’s fourth floor, blocking access for other patients.
Dr. Jane Alam, the acting director of the institute, stated that these patients, primarily from the July protests, are occupying general beds meant for other patients. "They require follow-up care in phases, but their prolonged stay is preventing us from accommodating new patients," he said. The hospital authorities noted that the B-Block is currently locked from the inside, with only 4-5 of the 54 admitted patients present, as most have left for Eid holidays.
Dr. Alam added that many patients claim they have no place to stay, as they travel long distances for treatment and often arrive late at night. The Directorate General of Health Services’ hospital wing director explained that the B-Block may have been locked for security reasons during the Eid holidays. The Ministry of Health plans to address the issue with stakeholders after the holidays.
Hospital authorities have assured that the National Institute of Ophthalmology will resume full operations on Saturday, aiming to resolve the bed crisis and streamline patient care.
AI/MR
