Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Government hospitals in the capital, particularly designated facilities, are under severe strain as a surge in measles infections drives a growing influx of patients, while private hospitals report little to no admissions.
In the past 24 hours until 8:00 am Saturday, four more children died from measles and measles-like symptoms, raising the total number of suspected deaths to 178 since March 15. Confirmed measles deaths stood at 35, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The DGHS said 942 new suspected cases were recorded in the last 24 hours, including 506 in the Dhaka division, while 86 additional cases were confirmed.
Most patients are seeking care at public facilities. The DNCC Dedicated Covid-19 Hospital in Mohakhali received 205 patients in a single day and admitted 109 of them, the highest among facilities.
Although health authorities collect measles-related data from around 30 private hospitals in the city, these figures are not regularly disclosed in DGHS bulletins.
Md Esam Ebne Yousuf Siddique, chief operating officer of Square Hospital, said no measles patients had been admitted or sought admission at the facility, though outpatient services remain available.
Dr Md Mainul Ahasan, secretary general of the Bangladesh Private Clinic Diagnostic Owners Association, said private hospitals are fully prepared to treat measles patients and face no restrictions in doing so.
"We have the same facilities as government hospitals for testing and treatment," said Dr Ahasan, who is also managing director of Green Life Hospital Limited.
He added that three measles patients had been admitted until last Wednesday, while all 20 ICU beds were occupied by other patients.
Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and the DNCC Covid Hospital are among the facilities partially dedicated to measles treatment but are struggling to cope with the rising patient load, particularly in securing ICU beds for critical cases.
There are four government and 14 specialised hospitals in the capital.
High treatment costs in private hospitals compared to public facilities are pushing most patients towards government hospitals, said Prof Dr Md Halimur Rashid, director (Disease Control) at DGHS.
He noted that authorities have no clear data on treatment costs in private hospitals.
Responding to calls for cost regulation during the health emergency, he said neither the government nor the World Health Organization has declared the outbreak an epidemic.
Bangladesh Shishu Hospital treated 282 children in the month up to Wednesday, with another 69 still admitted.
The hospital is facing difficulty managing beds and services due to its reputation for affordable respiratory care.
Director Prof Dr Mahbubul Haque said most patients are turning to government hospitals, often arriving late, which complicates treatment and recovery.
"We are admitting only serious cases as capacity is limited," he said, urging private hospitals to play a more active role.
"They should publicly announce available beds and treatment facilities so patients know where to go."
Public health expert Dr Mushtuq Husain said many infected children suffer from underlying conditions, including malnutrition, and most patients come from low-income families.
"When patients are already being treated on hospital floors, it is unrealistic to expect them to seek care in private hospitals," he said.
He suggested that the government could temporarily utilise private hospital facilities to expand access, as seen during the Covid-19 pandemic, and consider declaring a public health emergency to mobilise broader support.
"The government can also designate more public hospitals as infectious disease facilities under the relevant law," he added.
Amid the worsening situation, the government has announced a nationwide measles vaccination campaign starting April 20, alongside the ongoing drive.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to inaugurate the programme.
nsrafsanju@gmail.com