‘Tree-man’ returns to DMCH for treatment

Abul Bajandar, dubbed as “tree-man” for his extremely rare skin disorder on hands and feet, has returned to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) today to get admitted, months after he “voluntarily” left treatment last year.

Bajandar, 28, left the Burn Unit of the DMCH on May 26 last year and returned to his village home in Paikgachha of Khulna after giving up hope of a full recovery.

He is now waiting at the DMCH for admission.

“We have observed him today (Sunday) and may admit him tomorrow,” said Dr Samanta Lal Sen, co-ordinator of Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery at DMCH, who was supervising the treatment of Bajander when he was at the hospital earlier.

Bajandar got the nickname for massive bark-like warts on his hands and feet as a result of an extremely rare skin disorder. He came under national spotlight when media reports were published following his admission to DMCH on January 30, 2016. At the time, he was the fourth person recorded in the world to have the disease.

Dr Samanta Lal Sen said the bark-like warts on his hands are now around one inch long for which it is difficult to continue his treatment properly.

“It would have been better if he had come here around six months back. But we will try our best,” the doctor said.

Health condition of Bajandar has been getting worse day by day after he left treatment earlier. He cannot hold anything properly in his hands any more.

“I made a mistake at that time; I should have stayed at the hospital to continue my treatment and I am realising it now,” said Bajandar, who is now suffering from pain in his hands and legs.

He said he cannot sleep properly due to intense pain which increases at night.

Of the warts, which were uprooted through operations during the earlier course of treatment, 15 percent did not come out again, but others are now around one inches long, he said.

“I have come with my mother, Amena Begum, 60, to stay with me, hoping to be cured this time,” Bajandar said.

He requested everyone to pray for him.