Child dies of measles as farmer father cannot afford ICU

A seven-year-old child, Ibrahim Khalil (Samit), has died of fever and measles-like symptoms in Subarnachar upazila, Noakhali. The family said they could not take the child to Dhaka for ICU treatment due to lack of money. The child died while undergoing treatment at Noakhali General Hospital early on Sunday morning, May 24.

Samit was the youngest son of farmer Mofizul Haque of East Charbata village. He was born nearly nine years after his two elder siblings.

According to family members, the child fell ill with fever about 10 days ago and later developed measles-like symptoms. After initial treatment locally, his condition did not improve. He was admitted to Subarnachar Upazila Health Complex. After three days of treatment, his condition worsened, and he was taken to Noakhali 250-bed General Hospital on Saturday evening.

The child's maternal uncle, Abdul Khalek, said doctors advised urgent ICU care. However, the hospital has no separate ICU for children, so they were advised to take the child to Dhaka. The family could not arrange the money, even by borrowing.

Attempts to admit the child to local private hospitals failed as they refused to take measles patients. The child was ultimately treated at the general hospital, but without critical care, he could not be saved.

Noakhali General Hospital Superintendent Mohammad Farid Uddin Chowdhury said the hospital has ICU beds but no separate ICU for children. Critically ill children must be sent to Dhaka. Samit's condition was very critical. Despite efforts, he could not be saved.