Ophthalmology institute vacant after clash between hospital staffer and 'July injured'
The National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital (NIOH) in Dhaka has remained empty since this afternoon following a violent clash between a group of "July uprising injured" and hospital staff.
The sporadic clashes left at least 15 doctors, nurses, and employees of the eye hospital injured, Hospital Director Prof Dr Khair Ahmed Chowdhury said.
The chaos began this morning when a group of July injured attacked hospital staff, who were protesting to demand increased security, according to hospital sources.
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Dr Khair told TBS that a group of July uprising injured attacked the staff and they were attacking anyone they could find.
Witnesses reported that attackers used sticks and rods to break windows of the hospital's residential quarters. The operation theatre and the anesthesia department were also reportedly vandalised.
Tensions sparked in director's office
According to Dr Khair, tensions began escalating on Tuesday when some members of the injured group confronted him in his office.
"On Tuesday afternoon, a group of July uprising injured visited my room, including the four individuals who had attempted suicide last Sunday. They were arguing and blaming each other over not sharing donated funds," said the hospital director.
He added, "The tension escalated when one of them revealed he had brought petrol. Fearing an accident, I alerted law enforcement. The army arrived, and the group dispersed."
Work stoppage escalates into violence
In the aftermath, hospital staff began a work stoppage this morning to demand increased security.
Tensions boiled over when the July injured clashed with the protesting staff. The situation worsened as relatives of other patients joined the clash.
Law enforcers arrived at the facility around 1:30pm, and by 4:45pm, the situation was brought under control.
Patients and staff flee, operations suspended
Fearing further violence, all indoor patients and hospital staff vacated the premises shortly after the incident. Only July uprising injured were staying there.
"Doctors, nurses, and staff are experiencing serious safety concerns.there is uncertainty regarding when the hospital will resume operations," said Dr Khair. "There will be a meeting on Thursday at noon," he noted.
Following the turmoil, the Hospital Director submitted a leave application to the health ministry and has gone on a seven-day leave, citing an inability to continue working under the current circumstances.
Conflicting claims over clash
Hillol, a July injured patient admitted at the hospital, claimed that none of their group came downstairs today.
"Yesterday, a few July injured tried to commit suicide by pouring petrol in the hospital director's room. But today, no one of us even came downstairs. We have video footage as proof," he said.
Hillol added, "In the evening, the CEO of the July Foundation came to the hospital and said that everything will be resolved by Thursday."
