Khaleda stable with improvement in some cases: BSMMU

The authorities of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) on Monday said the health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s is stable with significant improvement in some cases.

Speaking at a press conference, they also said Khaleda Zia herself is happy with the treatment of the hospital and her life is not at risk as she has been given regular treatment by a medical board formed with specialist doctors.

“Overall, her (Khaleda’s) health condition has improved significantly in some cases and remained stable in some other cases over the last seven months since she was admitted to our hospital…her condition didn’t deteriorate in any way. She’s stable now,” said BSMMU Director Brig Gen AK Mahbubul Hoque.

He also said the BNP chief is receiving good treatment at their hospital and she is taking medicines as prescribed by the five-member medical board formed by the government to provide treatment to her.

In the wake of allegation by BNP leaders and the family members that Khaleda’s health condition turned critical as she is not getting proper treatment, the BSMMU authorities held the press conference on her health condition.

Mahbubul Hoque said the BNP chief was admitted to the BSMMU with some physical complications, including uncontrolled diabetes, chronic rheumatic arthritis, general weakness, and dental problem.

He said Khaleda’s health condition is regularly monitored. “Her blood pressure and temperature are examined daily while her blood sugar is tested twice every day and give necessary injection or insulin.  She has been given physiotherapy every second day.”

The BSMMU director said the medical board members either altogether or separately provide her treatment.

He, however, alleged that the doctors often face problem to meet the BNP chief as they do not get permission from her.

“Our office time begins at 8am and ends 2:30pm. Doctors often do not get the scope to visit Khaleda Zia in the cabin as they need to get her prior permission. She usually allows us to visit her after 1:30pm. In reality, doctors can’t visit her at the appointed time. Many times the doctors of our board couldn’t meet her even after waiting till 4:40pm,” Mahbubul Hoque added.

He said doctors advised to provide her some anti-viral vaccines for the advance treatment of rheumatic arthritis. “She was informed about it many days ago, but we still didn’t get her consent. So, she’s been given conventional treatment for it.”

About the BNP leaders’ different allegations about Khaleda Zia’s treatment, the BSMMU director said, “Those who talked about her health condition they never consult me or our board members and higher authorities. They often make imaginary comments.”

He said the doctors are treating Khaleda with due honour, care and sincerity.

Khaleda’s medical board chief Prof M Zilan Miah Sarker said they are happy over Khaled’s treatment. “She is of course happy with the treatment, we’re also happy. I often visit her and find her happy and very impressive.”

Mentioning that Khaleda has been suffering from rheumatic arthritis for the 28 years, he said it is not possible to completely cure it, but it will remain control with treatment, and she’ll be able to move normally.

He said Khaleda’s now main problem is rheumatic arthritis and a second board has been formed with specialist doctors to provide her proper treatment.

Asked whether Khaleda needs to go abroad for treatment, Dr Zilan said, “We don’t prefer it. We can say we haven’t failed to treat her. Madam also did not demand for sending her abroad.”

Replying to a question, he said they do not think Khaleda’s life is at risk, but it is Allah who gives people the life and protects it. “We can say we’re treating sincerely maintaining ethics.”

BSMMU acting Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Shahana Akhter Rahman said their hospital is equipped with all the facilities with world-class doctors to provide the best treatment for arthritis. “So, we don’t think better treatment is possible anywhere else than Bangladesh.”

She said Khaleda needs to take some vaccines for receiving the latest treatment and her consent is necessary for it. “Maybe she’ll give her consent. We’re trying to provide her the latest treatment so that she can walk.”

Khaleda has been in jail since being convicted in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case on February 8, 2018. She was found guilty in another corruption case later the same year, though her party claims both cases are politically motivated.The BNP chief has been receiving treatment at the BSMMU since April 1 this year.UNB