Health crisis again strikes remote villages in Rangamati

Three remote villages in Rangamati's Baghaichhari Upazila are grappling with outbreaks of diarrhea and fever and the situation is getting worse as these areas are not equipped with even basic healthcare facilities to this day.

Nearly hundreds of residents of the villages of Arun Para, Tarum Para, and New Thangnang Para, nestled deep within the hills of Sajek Union, have fallen ill due to the lack of timely medical treatment, some of them in critical condition, reports UNB.

Locals are concerned that without immediate intervention, the condition of the affected could deteriorate significantly. Over the past week, many residents of these areas have fallen seriously ill with symptoms including fever, cough, vomiting, and diarrhea.

There are no community clinics or medical centers nearby. The lack of road communication also hinders the quick delivery of medical teams and equipment to these villages.

Dr. Nguyen Khisa, Civil Surgeon of Rangamati, mentioned that diarrhea might not be the primary cause but could be exacerbated by fever, possibly indicating a weakened state. The Upazila health workers and a team from BRAC have already begun working.

Meanwhile, Shirin Akhtar, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Baghaichhari, said that the area is extremely remote and lacks proper sanitation facilities and clean water sources, contributing to outbreaks of various diseases, including diarrhea, during the rainy season. There is also no reliable road network for access.

To urgently dispatch medical teams, the assistance of military helicopters may be necessary, as informed to the Rangamati District Administrator, she said.

This recent health emergency recalls similar past incidents in 2016 and 2020, when outbreaks of diarrhea and pneumonia in these same villages claimed the lives of 15 villagers, including 9 children.