Barguna, Oct 11 (V7N) – Dengue cases are increasing at the 50-bed Patharghata Upazila Health Complex in coastal Barguna, leaving patients struggling with a shortage of beds and inadequate medical staff. Some patients are being treated on the hospital floor as the facility struggles to accommodate the growing number of admissions.
Patients and their relatives have also complained about unhygienic conditions at the hospital. Alongside dengue, cases of pneumonia, coughs and respiratory infections are increasing, adding to the pressure on healthcare services.
According to hospital records, 370 patients received treatment for dengue at the facility between January and October this year. Sixteen dengue patients were receiving treatment at the hospital on Saturday. No dengue-related deaths had been reported at the facility this year.
Patients have also complained of long waits because of the shortage of doctors, with the same physician sometimes having to manage both inpatient and outpatient services.
Kabir, a dengue patient admitted on Wednesday, said his platelet count was 50,000 when he arrived. After three days of treatment, it had increased to 105,000. However, he said obtaining medical attention during emergencies could take time because of the limited number of doctors.
Another patient, Limon, said he had to wait in line for one and a half to two hours to receive treatment. He also complained about rubbish scattered across the hospital floor, saying patients and their relatives had little choice but to remain in the unhygienic environment.
Dr Mehedi, the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer at Patharghata, said only four doctors were working at the facility against an approved strength of 29.
He added that shortages of cleaners, technologists, technicians and other staff were further hampering healthcare services.
The hospital authorities have discussed the staffing crisis with higher officials and hope the situation will be addressed soon, he said.
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