Measles deaths hit 25 at Mymensingh hospital

Admissions and deaths linked to measles symptoms are rising at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), pushing the death toll to 25.

Around 11:30 am on Monday, a 7-month-old child died while undergoing treatment, hospital Assistant Director (Administration) Md Mynuddin Khan said.

The infant was from Tangail’s Madhupur and had been admitted on Apr 30 with measles symptoms, reports bdnews.com.

Dr Mynuddin said in the 24 hours leading up to 9 am Tuesday, 19 children were admitted, 21 were discharged after recovery, and 79 remained under treatment.

Hospital data show that between Mar 17 and Tuesday morning, a total of 1,088 children were admitted with measles symptoms, of whom 984 have recovered and been discharged.

Relatives have alleged that despite the rising number of patients and deaths, the quality of care has not improved.

Hamida Akter, a relative of a child admitted to the isolation ward, said: “Even as child deaths keep rising, the standard of care here has not improved much.

“There is an ICU shortage and not enough beds. Many medicines have to be bought from outside.”

“The government should ensure all medicines are supplied by the hospital and improve overall facilities,” she added.

Responding to the allegations, the MMCH director said the isolation ward has 64 beds, but extra patients are being accommodated on the floor due to overcrowding, causing difficulties.

He also said the medicine supply is limited, forcing relatives to buy from outside.

He, however, maintained that the standard of care remains adequate, with doctors and nurses working around the clock to provide their best possible support.