The physical condition of Government Titumir College student Rajib Hossain, who lost his right hand in a road mishap in the city five days ago, is improving, but he is mentally unwell, doctors said yesterday.

“There is a fracture in his skull, and a small injury in the brain. However it's now improving,” said Prof MS Zaman Shaheen, head of orthopedic department at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).

It will take a few months for Rajib to fully recover from the condition and then the operation to set an artificial hand can be conducted on him, they added.  

Rajib's aunt Jahanara Begum said the recent CT scan and blood test reports which came yesterday indicated improvement in his health.

However, Rajib is not taking his meals properly, she added.

“He is traumatised,” the aunt said.

Prof MS Zaman said Rajib may behave differently due to his head injury. But it will recover gradually, he hoped.

“We have to encourage him psychologically too,” the doctor said.

Eldest among three brothers, Rajib lost both his parents. He worked for a computer shop in the Old Dhaka to pay for his own education.

The 22-year-old college student lost his hand after it got stuck between two speeding buses trying to overtake each other in the capital's Bangla Motor area on Tuesday.

Profusely bleeding, he was taken to MH Samorita Hospital in Panthapath area and was later shifted to the intensive care unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. A seven-member medical board has been formed for his treatment.

The government announced to bear all the treatment expenses of the third year student at Government Titumir College.