The number of measles patients at the isolation ward of Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital has risen alarmingly, creating a severe strain on the hospital’s healthcare system. On Thursday (21 May), a total of 99 children were receiving treatment in a ward with only 20 beds.
Due to the shortage of beds, three to four children are being treated on a single bed. Many young patients are also being treated on the floor due to a lack of space.
The sudden increase in patient admissions has caused significant suffering for both patients’ families and hospital staff. Doctors and nurses are struggling to manage the overwhelming pressure.
Guardians of admitted children said they are enduring extreme hardship due to the insufficient number of beds. They urged the authorities to increase the ward capacity immediately.
Rashida Begum, grandmother of an admitted child, said, “Several children are being kept on one bed. It is very difficult. The children cannot even sleep properly.”
Sharmin, who brought her seven-month-old daughter Omaiza from Teknaf, said, “We came here after her condition worsened in the village. But after arriving at the hospital, we found there was no space. Still, we have no choice but to continue treatment here.”
Another guardian, Mohammad Farhad, said, “The number of beds is far too low compared to the number of patients. If the government does not take immediate action, the situation will worsen further.”
According to the statistics department of the Cox’s Bazar Civil Surgeon’s Office, one child died while undergoing treatment at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital in the last 24 hours. So far, 18 children have died from measles across the district, including 14 deaths at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital alone.
Residential Medical Officer of Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital, Dr. Shantanu Ghosh, said that the concerned government authorities have already been informed about the urgent need to increase the number of beds in the measles isolation ward.
He added that measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads rapidly among children. Fever, cough, cold symptoms, red eyes, and skin rashes are among the common symptoms of the disease. He advised guardians to seek immediate medical treatment at the nearest hospital if such symptoms appear.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
