DHAKA: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus inaugurated a health card distribution program today to facilitate free medical treatment for victims of the July uprising across the country’s public hospitals. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Health, aims to provide comprehensive care to those affected by the violent events of last year.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the launch event took place at the State Guest House Jamuna, where Prof Yunus personally handed over health cards to two injured students, Ifat Hossain and Israt Jahan Emu. Ifat, a student from Narsingdi United College, lost his eyesight due to police firing during the movement on July 19, while Israt, a student at Dhaka University, sustained severe injuries from an attack by the banned Chhatra League on July 15. She is currently receiving treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University.
The health cards will be distributed weekly in specified districts to those injured in the uprising, as stated by the Ministry of Health. The Director of the National Institute of Ophthalmology, Professor Khair Ahmed Chowdhury, briefed the chief adviser on the treatment provided to the victims. He reported that 1,074 individuals have received care at the Institute, with 39 losing both eyes permanently and approximately 450 losing vision in one eye. Over 650 operations have been performed for eye injuries, including more than 300 retinal surgeries.
Chowdhury noted that surgeries for eye injuries were also conducted at two hospitals outside the Institute, and additional operations are planned. International medical experts from China, France, Nepal, and the United States have visited the Institute and expressed satisfaction with the ongoing treatment efforts. A total of 65 patients have already recovered from their injuries.
Dr. Md Abul Kenan, Director of the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), updated the chief adviser on their progress. Twenty-one patients have undergone amputations at NITOR, with further assessments underway to potentially send some patients abroad for advanced treatment. Kenan expressed optimism about the recovery of most patients, stating they are now out of danger.
During the event, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus emphasized the significance of the health card, assuring cardholders of free treatment at any government hospital nationwide. He reiterated the state’s responsibility to provide medical care and financial support to the families of those injured or martyred in the July uprising. Prof Yunus also highlighted the importance of mental and social rehabilitation for the affected individuals, ensuring they lead fulfilling lives and integrate into society.
Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, Special Assistant at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Professor Dr. Md Sayedur Rahman, Information Adviser Nahid Islam, Health Secretary Md Saidur Rahman, and July Shaheed Smriti Foundation Chief Executive Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdha, among others, attended the inauguration ceremony.