On the day of Eid, the Emergency Department of Dhaka’s National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) witnessed an unprecedented influx of patients injured in motorcycle accidents. Compared to typical days, the number of road-traffic casualties on this festive occasion surged dramatically, reflecting the heightened risks on crowded holiday roads.
By 4:30 pm, patients of all ages, ranging from children to the elderly, were arriving for urgent medical care. Most had suffered injuries from road accidents, particularly motorcycle collisions. Cases ranged from fractured limbs to minor bruises, with several patients requiring immediate surgical attention.
A nurse working in the emergency department reported, “Today, the patient load is unusually high compared to regular days. Each shift has three doctors, seven to eight nurses, and support staff attending to patients without respite.” By 5:30 pm, at least 151 patients had received treatment in the emergency unit.
Among the injured was Zubair, an 18-year-old HSC examinee from Narsingdi, who sustained a broken right leg while out with friends. His family confirmed that the accident occurred during recreational riding. Similarly, 25-year-old Rakib suffered a fractured left arm after colliding with a CNG-powered auto-rickshaw at the E-5 intersection. He blamed the auto-rickshaw driver for the accident, stating that he bore the brunt of the injuries himself.
The pressure on the 10-bed emergency ward was so intense that some patients had to be treated on trolleys. Several individuals requiring emergency surgery were seen waiting for available operation slots.
Professor Dr. Md. Abul Kenan, Director of NITOR, noted, “During Eid holidays, road accidents increase every year, placing a heavy burden on our emergency services. Last year, three-wheeler accidents were more frequent, but this year, motorcycle riders constitute the majority of casualties.” He added that 18 doctors are deployed per shift, with additional personnel on standby to manage the surge.
The table below summarises the patient load and injury patterns during Eid at NITOR:
| Time Period | Number of Patients | Main Type of Injury | Number of Doctors | Nurses & Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 am – 1:00 pm | 72 | Fractured arms and legs, minor injuries | 18 | 8 |
| 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm | 79 | Motorcycle collisions, assorted injuries | 18 | 8 |
| Total | 151 | Various | – | – |
The heavy patient load underscores the urgent need for improved road safety and public awareness during holidays. Despite the hospital’s preparedness, preventing road-traffic accidents requires stricter enforcement of safety regulations and widespread public education.
This year’s Eid demonstrates that the emergency department at NITOR faces not only numerical pressures but also challenges related to the diversity of injuries and the complexity of medical care required. The surge in motorcycle accident cases vividly highlights the ongoing risks posed by unsafe driving during festive travel periods.