Medical services at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital in Dhaka remain suspended on Thursday following a violent clash between hospital staff and July War veterans.
Operations at the hospital have been shut down since Wednesday morning, when staff began a work stoppage. Services had not resumed by Thursday morning.
According to one hospital staff member, no doctors, nurses, or employees reported for duty on Thursday after Wednesday’s altercation. As a result, all medical services remain halted.
The conflict began Wednesday morning when staff initiated a strike. Around 10 a.m., a clash broke out between the striking employees and veterans undergoing treatment at the hospital, along with some of their attendants.
Military personnel arrived later in the day in an attempt to control the situation, which was only fully brought under control by the afternoon.
A staff member described the incident, saying, “Yesterday they attacked our doctors—doctors who have been treating them for the past 11 months. They injured several staff members, hitting them with rods and sticks. Some had their heads split open. They came prepared for violence, even those with disabilities joined in.”
He added, “Until we receive orders from higher authorities, we will not return to work.”
One senior staff nurse said she and a few colleagues attempted to enter the hospital Thursday morning but were turned away at the gate, which was locked and guarded by security and police.
“I tried calling our matron, but she didn’t answer—she might have been in a training session. So, we had to return home,” she said.
