Jhalakathi, Aug 31 (V7N) — A persistent shortage of beds at the 50-bed Rajapur Upazila Health Complex in Jhalakathi has forced patients to receive treatment on the floor of the hospital corridors as the number of admitted patients exceeds its capacity.

Children and other patients suffering from diarrhoea have been among those facing severe hardship due to the shortage of beds.

According to hospital sources, around 70 patients suffering from diarrhoea, dengue, measles and other illnesses are currently admitted to the health complex, which has only 50 beds.

Although the number of medical staff has increased, the number of beds has not been expanded for a long time. As a result, hospital authorities are struggling to provide adequate healthcare amid the growing number of patients.

During a visit to the hospital, it was found that five diarrhoea patients were receiving treatment on the floor of a hospital corridor after failing to secure beds.

Among them was two-and-a-half-year-old Rahmat, son of Sujon Shikder from East Angaria village in the upazila. He was admitted to the Rajapur Upazila Health Complex on Saturday after developing diarrhoea. As no bed was available inside the hospital, he has been receiving treatment on the corridor floor.

Rahmat's mother, Rahima, said, "We could not get a bed inside the hospital. We were forced to stay on the corridor floor. It is extremely difficult to stay here with a child."

Four other admitted patients were also found receiving treatment in the hospital corridor after failing to get beds.

Dr Md Abul Khair Mahmud Russell, Rajapur Upazila Family Planning Officer, said the bed shortage at the health complex had persisted for a long time.

"There are usually around 70 to 80 admitted patients at the health complex. Today, around 70 patients are admitted, including 10 with diarrhoea and 13 with dengue," he said.

He said diarrhoea and dengue patients could not be accommodated together with other patients because of the risk of infection, further increasing pressure on the limited number of beds.

"After accommodating as many patients as possible inside the hospital, despite overcrowding, we are being forced to keep some patients in the corridors," Dr Russell said.

Patients and their relatives have urged the higher authorities concerned to intervene immediately and increase the number of beds at the Rajapur Upazila Health Complex to ensure proper treatment and reduce the suffering of patients.

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