CA Yunus visits Milestone jet crash victims at burn institute
He arrived at the hospital around 9:10pm and was briefed by the institute’s Director Dr Mohammad Nasir Uddin on the the current condition of the patients.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus visited the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery (NIBPS) on Saturday night (26 July) to inquire about the treatment of those injured in the tragic plane crash at Milestone School and College.
He arrived at the hospital around 9:10pm and was briefed by the institute's Director Professor Dr Mohammad Nasir Uddin on the the current condition of the patients, reads a statement issued by the CA Press Wing.
Dr Nasir informed the chief adviser that treatment is being provided based on recommendations from a multidisciplinary consultation board. Patients are being assessed following international protocols, with input from both Bangladeshi and foreign medical experts to ensure the highest quality of care.
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According to the latest evaluation, the hospital is treating four patients in critical condition, nine in severe condition, and 23 in intermediate condition. Professor Nasir noted that these classifications may change over time depending on patients' progress.
The chief adviser asked whether there was any shortage of medical equipment, medicine, or other necessities. In response, Professor Nasir said that all essential items are being provided by the government, and a few additional instruments were brought by the visiting medical team from Singapore.
CA's Special Assistant Professor Dr Md Sayedur Rahman elaborated on the emergency response, noting that burn victims were initially taken to nearby hospitals for immediate treatment before being transferred to the burn institute and the Combined Military Hospital (CMH).
He added that the health ministry had instructed the burn institute to be on high alert immediately after the crash. Thanks to swift action, the institute was able to treat nearly 30 patients arriving at once, he said.
He also clarified that initial confusion over the number of casualties arose due to transfers between hospitals and the need for DNA profiling to identify several remains.
Dr Sayedur highlighted that during the emergency, a critical shortage of ambulances became apparent, revealing structural gaps in the country's emergency health services.
In response, the chief adviser instructed the authorities to submit specific, actionable proposals for addressing these challenges and assured that prompt action would follow.
Yunus also emphasised the importance of psychological counseling for both the injured and the families of the deceased to help them cope with trauma. He directed officials to initiate a coordinated mental health support programme involving victims, their families, and the Milestone School community.
Additionally, he instructed the hospital authorities to ensure that the families of the burn victims are treated with care and support during their stay.
"We are fully committed to providing the best possible care for every patient," said Yunus.
He expressed heartfelt thanks to all doctors, nurses, and medical personnel involved in the treatment efforts across various hospitals, as well as to the international medical teams who have extended their support during this crisis.
Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum accompanied the chief adviser during the hospital visit.
