National Eye Hospital to double capacity to 500 beds
The expansion needed as number of patients increases significantly over the years, authorities say
The government plans to upgrade the capacity of the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital (NIOH), the sole specialised institute and hospital in Bangladesh dedicated to eye care, from 250 to 500 beds.
This development will involve an investment of Tk420.2 crore and the addition of four storeys to the existing six-storey building, officials at the Directorate General of Health Services told TBS.
Experts believe this increased capacity will enable the hospital, also known as the National Eye Hospital, to cater to considerably larger numbers of patients.
A draft development project proposal has been prepared for implementation between January 2026 and 30 January, 2028. The entire cost of the project will be funded by the government.
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Prof Md Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the chief adviser for the health and family welfare ministry, told this newspaper that a greater number of patients will be able to receive treatment once the capacity of the hospital is increased.
"However, our focus now will be outside Dhaka – if quality hospitals are established beyond Dhaka, patients will no longer need to travel to the capital. This will reduce both their suffering and expenses," he said.
Prof Dr Khair Ahmed Chowdhury, director of the hospital, said the hospital serves as a referral centre for advanced eye treatment for the country's marginalised population. "In addition, it offers sub-speciality degrees in ophthalmology for doctors and produces trained personnel in eye care, thereby ensuring the provision of quality services to the general public."
When the hospital began operating at its current location in 2007, 150-200 patients used to be admitted daily, and there were around 450-500 outdoor patients per day, he said, adding that there were 140 doctors and 240 nurses.
"At present, while 220-250 patients on average are admitted daily, the number of outdoor patients each day reaches as high as 3,000-3,500. However, the number of doctors and nurses has remained the same as before," Dr Khair said.
He informed that due to the number of beds being lower than the number of patients, an additional 60-80 patients are operated on each day as day-care cases without admission.
"If the hospital is upgraded to 500 beds, it will be possible to serve a larger number of patients, along with an increase in posts for doctors and nurses," Dr Khair said.
He added. "As an academic institution, one of the key roles of this facility is to produce skilled and qualified ophthalmologists through higher education and specialised training. Upgrading the hospital will also enhance its capacity in this regard."
Current state
The hospital currently consists of three buildings, known as Block A, Block B, and Block C. The emergency department is located at the entrance on the ground floor. There are eight consultation rooms in the outpatient department.
In addition to an autistic corner, there are separate arrangements for elderly patients, sparing them from the hassle of standing in long queues with everyone else.
The hospital operates nine specialised departments: cataract, cornea, glaucoma, retina, oculoplastic, paediatric ophthalmology, neuro-ophthalmology, community ophthalmology, and low vision. There are also 13 state-of-the-art operation theatres.
All types of surgeries, including cataract operations, are performed free of charge at the hospital. Patients undergoing cataract surgery are also provided with lenses at no cost. However, diagnostic and investigation fees are charged as per the government-approved rates.
The hospital played a significant role by providing treatments to victims of the July uprising as well. So far, it has provided 1,074 victims with treatment. Among them, nearly 650 patients with eye injuries underwent surgery. In the second phase alone, more than 300 retina surgeries were performed.
