Doctors at Dhaka Medical College Hospitals (DMCH) have spoken a week after Abul Bajandar, nicknamed ‘Tree Man’ for the rare bark-like warts on his hands and legs, left the hospital without informing the authorities on May 28.
Speaking to Bangla Tribune on Sunday (Jun 3), DMCH doctor Shamanta Lal Sen said, “This is what we got in return after we treated him over the past two years.”
“I don’t what his motive is. Prime Minister has given me the responsibility of his (Banajdar’s) treatment. I will inform the PM about his speeches,” said Sen, the coordinator of the DMCH Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit.
“Without Bajandar, we have a lot of patients too. When we supplied foods to Bajandar’s family members, other patients told me ‘Sir, you don’t provide us with that much care.”
“Now, Banjadar have levelled allegations against doctors after leaving the hospital, where he was treated for over two and half years. It really hurts me,” said Sen.
“We wrote to World Health Organisation and examined blood and other samples for free of cost at facilities abroad. Dr (Nurun Nahar) Lata went abroad to submit the sample. But, Bajandar says his disease is not genetic. How can a patient say, whether his disease is genetic or not?”

Also Read

Left hospital due to doctors' negligence: Bajandar

Citing Bajandar having trouble over foods, Dr Lata said, “His food came from the doctors’ cafeteria as Bajandaer could not eat coarse rice. The hospital only provides food for the patients. So, Dr Sen paid for the rest of Bajandar’s family.”
Speaking on Bajandar’s disappointment over staying at the cabin, Dr Tanvir Ahmed said, “He (Bajandar) was given a cabin with no air condition (AC) facility at the fifth floor, but he did not want to stay there. Sixteen others patients also stayed at the cabin, but Bajandar couldn’t stay without AC.”
Declining allegations of negligence, Dr Hossain Imam said that a medical board was formed and 25 surgeries were performed.
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took care of the expenses including surgeries, medicines and foods.”
Speaking to Bangla Tribune at his native Khulna village, Bajandar claimed the first five to six surgeries were performed by one Dr Kabir Chowhdury, which according to Bajandar were successful, not the remaining 20 something surgeries.
Imam, however, said Chowhdury did not lead the surgical team, but rather acted as an adviser.
Bajandar suffers from a genetic disease, according to Dr Imam.
Speaking about Bajandar’s claim on signing documents, Dr Imam said, “If any patient wants to leave the hospital, he/she has to sign a document stating that he/she bears own responsibility.
“The rule applies to everyone and Bajandar is no exception. But, he left the hospital without informing us.”
DMCH Assistant Registrar Dr Lata said, “Bajandar left without informing the authorities and it’s only natural that he will come up with explanations to justify his decision.”