Prof. Dr. Md. Abul Kenan, director of the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), stated today that since Bangladeshi doctors are now fully capable of performing all complex surgeries successfully, there is no longer a need to sell property and travel overseas for knee or organ transplants, reports BSS.
“I think NITOR’s healthcare system is great, taking into account every facet of medical care and the surrounding environment. In an exclusive interview with BSS, he said, “Every day we perform hip and knee replacement surgeries, complex hand surgeries, and pediatric bone and spinal surgeries.”
Noting that many people still travel abroad like India, Singapore or Bangkok for such treatments, Prof. Kenan said, “I have no comment about those who can afford it. Many do not realize that these surgeries can be done successfully here in Bangladesh.”
In this context, he said going abroad for treatment purpose; they have to sell their homes, cars, land, or even cattle. My appeal to them is this; there is no longer any need to go abroad for these surgeries.
Dr. Kenan added, “Doctors from the UK, USA, China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Bangkok have visited our institute. They all praised NITOR’s medical services.” In their words, “The quality of service here is highly satisfactory…The operation systems and the structure of the OTs are excellent.” They too believe there’s no need to travel abroad for treatment.
He also said, “We brought in foreign doctors to treat the injured in the July movement. They told us, ‘You brought us here unnecessarily. There was no need to bring us to Dhaka—your medical services are of international standard.’”
When asked why road accidents are increasing, Dr. Kenan explained, “The infrastructure of many roads in Bangladesh is poor. Roads are often broken and not repaired properly. When vehicles drive in such conditions, it becomes difficult for drivers to control their speed—one major cause of accidents.”
Additionally, he said most vehicles lack proper fitness. Many are unfit for the road, and inspections are rarely carried out properly. As a result, unverified vehicles run freely on the roads, making them hard to control and leading to accidents.
He continued, “If all drivers are checked, it would be found that many have no valid driving license. Sometimes the license they carry belongs to someone else. Another issue is that all types of vehicles use the same roads—rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, private cars, buses, and trucks. When vehicles of varying speeds share the same road, it creates competition and chaos—another major cause of accidents.”
“Moreover, many highways have no dividers, leading to head-on collisions between vehicles that cause severe accidents, especially during Eid and other festivals when emergency patients increase,” he added.
He emphasized commuter awareness and safe driving as ways to prevent traffic accidents, saying, “Everyone should be cautious in movement, and drivers should drive carefully—avoid taking unnecessary risks.” Road accidents can be greatly decreased if these are followed.
Dr. Kenan stated, “I think we can elevate NITOR Hospital to an international level in this era of globalization,” in reference to hospital growth. The inclination to seek orthopaedic care elsewhere will significantly decline if we are successful. We’ve come a great way since accepting responsibility, but a year is not long enough to make noticeable changes.
He explained, “Last year was spent treating those injured in the July movement. The interim government currently faces some limitations in implementing major plans. So, we’re working under time constraints and many challenges. Still, we’ve made progress—keeping the hospital fully operational, improving emergency services, and increasing patient flow and attendance. Compared to last year, both the total numbers of operation and emergency surgery have increased”.
About services at the hospital, he said, “Previously, only general outdoor treatment was provided. Now, patients receive care from specialist doctors. We have also placed emergency care under direct supervision of specialists—professors are now in charge. These changes have been officially implemented through notifications. Also, no surgery is performed without supervision from a specialist surgeon. The hospital environment has also become much cleaner and more pleasant.”
Asked about the public perception that only NITOR provides good orthopaedic care, Dr. Kenan clarified, “The idea that bone or orthopaedic treatment is available only at NITOR is completely wrong. All medical college hospitals in Bangladesh have orthopaedic and emergency departments. District hospitals also have these facilities, and many upazila hospitals now have orthopaedic doctors in emergency units. So it’s a misconception that all patients with fractures or accident injuries must come to NITOR.”
When asked whether the country needs more specialized hospitals for trauma patients, he replied, “NITOR is not only the largest hospital in Bangladesh but in all of Asia. However, this 1,000-bed hospital cannot accommodate all accident or trauma patients nationwide. We believe this service must be expanded. Each division should have at least one 500-bed trauma hospital. That would ensure faster treatment, reduce suffering, and ease pressure on NITOR”.
“Currently, we perform more than 200 surgeries daily, receive 250–300 emergency patients, and conduct 80–100 emergency surgeries per day. This workload is extremely challenging for doctors. Establishing trauma hospitals in every division would greatly benefit the public.”He stated, “There is a shortage of specialists, but many young doctors now aspire to specialize,” in response to the question of whether Bangladesh has enough orthopaedic specialists. Every year, more orthopaedic professionals receive training thanks to access to education and sophisticated technology. It will be feasible to staff trauma hospitals with sufficient specialists if this trend continues.
Dr. Kenan said, “It’s not true that we’re not considering robotic treatment,” in response to a question concerning the introduction of AI or robotic treatment devices. The necessary technological level has not yet been attained. We shall attempt to put it into practice in the future if we are given the right opportunity and resources.
Lastly, he advised the public to realize that most fracture sufferers do not need to see NITOR.
Medical colleges, district hospitals, or upazila hospitals can treat nearly any kind of fracture. Patients should only visit NITOR in really complex situations where the necessary technology is not available, he stated.
He urged everyone to go to the closest hospital for treatment first. He came to the conclusion that most issues could be resolved there, particularly in areas with medical colleges.
