Injured from July Uprising Alleged Neglect at Dhaka’s Pongu Hospital

Patients injured during the July Uprising have claimed they are being denied proper medical treatment at Dhaka’s National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation, commonly known as Pongu Hospital. The allegations surfaced Saturday when members of the newly formed Anti-Discrimination Student Movement committee visited the hospital to assess the situation.

Following their visit, committee spokesperson Synthia Jaheen Ayesha shared concerns during a press briefing. She revealed that they received multiple complaints from injured patients and their families. One mother, who works as a domestic aid to support her son’s medical expenses, told them that after temporarily taking her son home, the hospital refused to readmit him upon their return.

Ayesha expressed frustration, saying, “We have learned that no concrete measures are being taken for their treatment, nor are they receiving any assurance of proper care.”

The committee’s president, Rifat Rashid, echoed these concerns, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction among the injured regarding the quality of treatment. “There are rumors that the injured have formed groups or syndicates within the hospital,” Rashid said. “But during the movement, there was no such grouping. Everyone was united on the streets demanding the fall of Sheikh Hasina. Now, these injured people deserve proper treatment.”

He called for urgent action, including sending those in critical condition abroad for advanced care. “We spoke to the hospital director, and he said he is helpless. But when we asked why, he couldn’t answer. Only the health adviser can respond to this. We plan to speak with the adviser,” Rashid added.

One injured patient, Sourav, alleged that several patients have developed infections due to inadequate care. He said authorities had promised to readmit them after Eid, but the promise was not fulfilled. “If we don’t get proper treatment, July will happen again inside this hospital,” he warned.

Another victim, Ashiq, shared his ordeal, saying, “I returned from home 11 days ago, but the hospital refused to admit me. I have no choice but to sleep on the floor without treatment. I am only here hoping to be admitted and get medical care.”