Several international medical teams are scheduled to visit Bangladesh to treat individuals who suffered eye injuries during the July movement, which ultimately led to the fall of the previous government. A Chinese medical team has already spent seven days in the country, assisting in various hospitals and praising Bangladeshi clinicians for their initial handling of the injured.
Professor Nazmul Hossain, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), addressed the issue during a national roundtable discussion titled “A Call to Action: Addressing the Crisis of Injuries During the July Movement,” held in the capital on Wednesday.
As the chief guest at the event, which was organized by SAJIDA Foundation and Orbis International, Prof. Nazmul announced that the Health and Family Welfare Ministry has instructed the DGHS to provide comprehensive medical services to the injured through national institutes, medical colleges, and district hospitals.
He also revealed that the DGHS would work with relevant ministries to expedite the import of corneas for those requiring transplants. "The Health Ministry will oversee the medical rehabilitation of the injured, while support from organizations like SAJIDA Foundation and Orbis International will be key for social rehabilitation efforts," he added.
The roundtable saw participation from key health organizations including the National Institute of Ophthalmology & Hospital (NIOH), Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Dhaka, and international NGOs active in eye care. Representatives from the July Shaheed Smrity Foundation, the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries, and student coordinators also attended.
Zahida Fizza Kabir, CEO of SAJIDA Foundation, emphasized the need for collaboration between public and private sectors, including student coordinators, to ensure effective treatment and rehabilitation for the injured.
Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho, General Secretary of the July Shaheed Smrity Foundation, assured that all treatment costs at government hospitals would be covered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. He also stressed the importance of long-term rehabilitation, including skills training like freelancing and educational support for the injured.
Dr. Munir Ahmed, Country Director of Orbis International and Chair of the INGO Forum for Eye Care, highlighted the need for a comprehensive database to facilitate long-term follow-up and rehabilitation, including low-vision aid support. He also called for the establishment of a national protocol for emergency eye care.
During the discussion, Prof. Abdul Qader from NIOH shared that 736 patients had received treatment, with 504 emergency surgeries completed. Approximately 40 patients are awaiting corneal transplants, which will be sourced from donors.
Brigadier General Prof. Dr. Zulfikar Hasan, Head of the Eye Department at CMH Dhaka, emphasized the importance of counseling patients and their families with empathy. “The health sub-committee of student coordinators can play a vital role in supporting them alongside the physicians, and we must ensure proper referrals for treatment abroad,” he said.