Conjoined Twins: Tofa, Tohura discharged

Conjoined twins Tofa and Tohura, who were separated in a pioneering surgery in Bangladesh, were discharged from hospital yesterday 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 certificates.

Paediatric surgeon and Associate Professor Shahnoor Islam said the twins were doing well, adding, “Delightful development was that Tofa had learned to sit upright.”

The babies were born joined from the waist down. Separated when nearly 11 months, doctors said it would take time for them to learn to crawl and sit upright.

DMCH Director Brig Gen AKM Nasiruddin said the surgery would be an example in the medical history of Bangladesh and the entire world.

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

Minister Nasim said it was a delightful occasion that Bangladesh could achieve such a medical feat and that he was happy for the 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.

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

The doctors have asked for monthly follow-ups of the twins.

An account has also been opened to welcome donations for their rehabilitation and further surgeries. The Dutch-Bangla Bank Ltd account number is 13915173740.