In a country where public hospitals are often criticised for their inefficiencies, the National Institute of Ophthalmology & Hospital (NIOH) in Dhaka's Agargaon area stands out as an exemplary institution.
Despite operating under severe constraints, this government-run eye hospital delivers medical care to approximately 3,500 outpatients daily, a testament to its dedication and resilience.
Established in 1978, the hospital began its journey as the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar 100-bed facility, operating adjacent to the current Shaheed Suhrawardy Hospital.
It was later expanded to its current capacity of 250 beds in 2006 and formally relocated opposite to the Agargaon Pangu Hospital in 2007.
Known as the National Eye Hospital, NIOH is the apex institution for ophthalmology in Bangladesh, offering comprehensive eye care services.
The hospital's transition to a 250-bed facility aimed to address the increasing demand for eye care. However, it still operates with the manpower of its former 100-bed capacity.
This includes a shortage of 20 doctors and 40 nurses, compounded by vacant positions for professors due to delays in promotions.
Despite these challenges, the hospital serves an unprecedented number of outdoor patients, growing from 500-600 daily under the 100-bed configuration to around 3,500.
"Dhaka Medical College serves a similar number of outpatients with much larger manpower," remarked Prof Dr Khair Ahmed Choudhury, the hospital's director.
Patients acknowledge the quality of care but often express frustration over long wait times. Noor Mohammad, a 30-year-old from Pakundia, Kishoreganj, brought his father, Chan Mia, for treatment.
Despite his father's diabetes, complex kidney disease, and glaucoma, Noor was satisfied with the quality of service, stating, "Although the hospital is overcrowded, the quality seems quite good."
Similarly, Rana, an employee of the National Assembly, recounted his experience bringing his father, Kamal Uddin, from Gaibandha for eye surgery. Despite being given multiple operation dates, delays forced repeated visits to Dhaka. "The quality of service is good, but getting a serial number for surgery requires a lot of patience," he said. —UNB
