Split twins discharged in grandeur

Conjoined babies Tofa and Tohura, who were separated in a pioneering surgery in Bangladesh, have been discharged from the hospital through a grand ceremony.

Dressed in all-pink, the girls were accorded a grand reception at Dhaka Medical College where Health Minister Mohammad Nasim handed the discharge certificate.

Paediatric surgeon and Associate Professor Shahnoor Islam said the babies were doing well and that a “delightful development was that Tofa had learned to sit upright”.

The babies were born joined from waist-down. Separated at nearly 11 months old, the doctors said it will take them time to learn crawling and sitting upright.

Dhaka Medical College Hospital’s Director Brig Gen AKM Nasiruddin said the surgery would be an example in the medical history of Bangladesh and the entire world.

Dr Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin pulled reference to Tofa-Tohura’s operation and said that it proved the great strides Bangladesh had made in the field of medical science.

Health Minister Mohammad Nasim said it was a delightful occasion that Bangladesh could achieve such a medical feat and that he was happy for the poor farmer family of the girls.

Raju Miah, a poor farmer hailing from Gaibandha and father of the twins, told The Daily Star that he had not lived a happier day in his life like today.

Tofa and Tohura would have to undergo two more surgeries to start a normal life – one to fix their rectum linings and the other on their reproductive organs.

The doctors have asked for a monthly follow-up of the babies. Also, an account has been opened to welcome donation for rehabilitation and further operations.

The Dutch-Bangla Bank account number is – 13915173740.