BSMMU orthopaedic dept treated over 200 injured in July uprising for free, speakers say at seminar

Over 200 patients injured in the July mass uprising received free treatment under special arrangements by the Orthopaedic Surgery Department of BSMMU, said speakers at a seminar today (17 March).

Among them, 65 patients were admitted for treatment, including 26 with bullet injuries, 21 with pellet injuries, 16 with physical injuries, 15 with spinal pain, and two with injuries from falling, according to Dr Mohammad Ashraful Islam, associate professor of Hand Surgery Division in the Orthopaedic Surgery Department.

During the seminar titled "Medical Response of BSMMU to the July Uprising: Surgical and Orthopaedic Perspectives", he added that 39 major surgeries were performed across various units.

BSMMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Shahinul Alam said before 5 August, those injured in the July mass uprising did not have access to proper treatment at government or private hospitals. However, after the change in government, the opportunity to provide treatment opened up and immediate steps were taken by BSMMU in this regard.

At the seminar, speakers emphasised that there is now a need for long-term medical care and rehabilitation for the injured, and in this regard, the current administration of BSMMU, along with surgeons, doctors, and specialists, continues to work diligently.

The current administration of BSMMU is tirelessly working not only to provide medical care to the injured but also to assist with their rehabilitation, they say.

Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Development) Professor Dr Mohammad Mujibur Rahman Howlader said BSMMU has made an extraordinary contribution to the treatment of those injured in the July mass uprising. As a result, many injured patients have recovered quickly, and many have begun to return to their normal lives.

The seminar was chaired by Professor Dr Afzalun Nessa, chairperson of the central seminar sub-committee, and moderated by Dr Khaled Mahbub Morshed (Mamun). The seminar was also attended by Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad, Treasurer Professor Dr Nahreen Akhter, and Registrar Professor Dr Mohammad Nazrul Islam.

In the seminar, Associate Professor Dr Mohammad Ashraful Islam from the Hand Surgery Division of the Orthopedic Surgery Department and Associate Professor Dr Mohammad Faruk Ishtiak from the General Surgery Department presented the main papers.