Photo: Collected
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.
Legacy of Service
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.
Growing Patient Base and Insufficient Staffing
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 today.
"Dhaka Medical College serves a similar number of outpatients with much larger manpower," remarked Professor Dr Khair Ahmed Choudhury, the hospital's director.
Patient Experiences
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.
Challenges in Surgery
NIOH boasts thirteen operating theatres, including two emergency theatres. While 60-80 eye surgeries are performed daily, the high patient volume often results in prolonged wait times.
Professor Dr Khair highlighted the need for expansion to meet demand. "If the hospital building could be extended vertically to 10 floors, it could accommodate 500 beds. The current structure already has a 10-storey foundation," he noted.
Healthcare Sector in Bangladesh
The challenges faced by NIOH reflect broader issues in Bangladesh's healthcare system.
Despite rapid growth in medical equipment and devices, with a projected market size of USD 820 million by 2025, public hospitals remain underfunded and understaffed.
The health expenditure as a percentage of GDP stood at 2.36% in 2021, reflecting a modest increase but still far below global standards.
The healthcare industry in Bangladesh is dominated by the private sector, with significant growth in tertiary hospitals and diagnostic centres.
As of 2019, the Directorate General of Health Services registered 255 public hospitals, 5,054 private hospitals and clinics and 9,529 diagnostic centres.
Bangladesh currently ranks 88th in the WHO's global healthcare quality rankings, outperforming most SAARC countries except Sri Lanka.
Road Ahead
The National Institute of Ophthalmology & Hospital exemplifies how resource constraints can be overcome through dedication and strategic planning. But, its ability to sustain this level of service hinges on addressing staffing shortages, infrastructure expansion, and streamlining patient care processes.
With proper investment and management, this institution could further solidify its reputation as a beacon of hope in Bangladesh's healthcare landscape, experts said.
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