File photo

DHAKA, Oct 3, 2024 (BSS)- A number of teams of foreign ophthalmologists will visit Bangladesh for treatment of the persons received eye injuries during July-movement.

Director General of DGHS Professor Nazmul Hossain said this at a roundtable discussion titled “A call to Action: Addressing the Crisis of Injuries during the July Movement”, jointly organized by Sajida Foundation and Orbis International in the city.

A Chinese medical team has already arrived in Bangladesh and is working in various hospitals for seven days, he said, adding that more foreign doctors will arrive in the coming days.

The Chinese team, however, appreciated the skills of local physicians for the initial management of the patients, DG said.

Dr Nazmul Hossain said, the ministry of health and family welfare has asked DGHS to provide all medical support to patients through the national ophthalmological institute, medical college hospitals and district hospitals.

He said, DGHS will work with the relevant ministries to ensure the import of corneas for those who need quick transplantation.

Besides, the ministry of health and family welfare will take responsibility for the medical rehabilitation of the injured persons, he added.

Prof. Nazmul stressed the necessity of support from different organizations like Sajeda Foundation and Orbis.

DGHS, National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital (NIOH), Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Dhaka, Ispahani Islamia Eye Hospital, Ophthalmological Society of Bangladesh, various international NGOs working in eye sector, July Shaheed Smriti Foundation and representatives of Bangladesh Medicine Industry Association and student coordinators of July movement were present.

Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdh, general secretary of July Shaheed Smriti Foundation, said, all treatment and costs of medicines as well as rehabilitation procedure of the injured will be done through the Ministry of Health.

National Institute of Ophthalmology Professor Dr. Abdul Quader said, some 736 patients have been treated in IPD of the institute while, 504 emergency surgeries have been done. Out of them some 40 patients need cornea transplant, he said.

CMH-Dhaka Ophthalmology Department Head Brigadier General Professor Dr. Zulfikar Hasan said, injured patients and their family members need to provide accurate and realistic counseling with sincere compassion.

Dr. Niaz Abdur Rahman and Professor Shafi Khan of Bangladesh Eye Hospital said, they are giving a 50 percent discount on the cost of surgery for all those injured in the July movement while private donors have come forward to bear the rest of the cost.