After remaining closed for seven consecutive days, the emergency department of the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital has resumed operations. However, surgeries and other medical services remain suspended for the time being.
The hospital`s acting director, Dr. Jane Alam, confirmed that emergency services reopened on Wednesday morning.
He stated that while patients are receiving treatment, the patient flow remains low. Outpatient services are still unavailable.
Despite the reopening, not all doctors and staff have returned to duty. Dr. Alam noted that essential personnel required for emergency operations have reported to work, but many are still on leave, especially with the upcoming Eid holidays.
Currently, there are no new inpatients in the hospital. Only 40 to 45 individuals, who were injured during a previous incident in July and are being treated on the fourth floor, remain admitted. A medical board has been formed to determine the next course of action for these patients, and a decision is expected soon.
The hospital had shut down on May 28 following a clash between hospital staff and a group of injured individuals from the July movement. Citing security concerns, all doctors and staff ceased attending the hospital, leading to a complete halt in medical services.
Patients, including those who had traveled from remote areas, were forced to return without receiving treatment.
Previously admitted patients also gradually left the facility. Following a high-level meeting on Tuesday involving officials from the Directorate General of Health Services and the Ministry of Health, the decision to reopen the emergency department was made.
