Dhaka, Oct. 18 -- For Fazila Khatun, cataract surgery in Khulna brought no lasting relief. Now, after doctors advised treatment, she has travelled to Dhaka's National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital, to find that securing a surgery date may mean another long wait.

Her father, Sirajul Islam, brought her to Dhaka on Tuesday. They are staying at a relative's home in Hemayetpur and making trips to the hospital, where beds are unavailable and the queue for surgery stretches.

"There are no vacant beds, so they are not admitting her. We cannot afford to spend money on surgery at a private hospital either. So we are waiting to see when we can get a date," Sirajul said.

He was among at least 10 patients and relatives who spoke to bdnews...