Measles outbreak worsens in Rajshahi, severe bed crisis at hospital

The measles outbreak in Rajshahi region has increased at an alarming rate, causing severe suffering for patients and their families at Rajshahi Medical College (RMCH) Hospital, the largest government healthcare facility in the division. In the last 24 hours, an additional 50 children with measles symptoms have been admitted to the hospital.

Professor Dr Shahida Yasmin, head of the hospital's paediatric department, said a total of 280 children with measles symptoms are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital. Among them, 28 have been confirmed to have measles. The affected children are being treated in the designated 'measles corner' and general paediatric wards.

She said nearly 65 per cent of the affected children are under six months of age, which is extremely concerning. Children are typically vaccinated against measles at nine months. The fact that a large number of children are being infected before that age is being taken seriously.

RMCH Hospital Director Brigadier General A K M Masud Ul Alam said the number of patients arriving in critical condition from various districts of the division has increased. The hospital authorities are struggling to manage the situation with limited ICU facilities and manpower.

On the ground, the hospital wards were found to be overflowing. Due to a lack of beds, many patients were being accommodated in corridors and on floors.

Sagar Hossain, who came from Naogaon, said he was staying with his sick child in the hospital corridor as no bed was available. "Proper treatment is not available in the corridor, and there is also the fear of rain. We cannot afford private hospitals," he said.

Shiuli Begum, who came from Chapainawabganj, said due to the bed crisis, 2-3 children are having to share a single space on the floor. Asadullah from Kushtia alleged that keeping all patients together is putting healthy children at risk of infection.

Dr Rafiqul Islam, Health Affairs Secretary of the BNP central committee, visited RMCH Hospital on Monday afternoon to assess the situation. He urged the public not to panic but to take necessary precautions. He also called for urgent research into why measles infection is increasing in children before the age of nine months.

According to the Rajshahi Divisional Health Directorate, at least 500 children have been infected with measles across eight districts of the division. Among them, samples have been collected from 424, and measles has been confirmed in 137. Health experts have advised timely vaccination and strict adherence to health guidelines.