RMCH forms 8-member medical board amid rising measles cases

Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) has formed an eight-member medical board to ensure coordinated and effective treatment of patients amid a continued rise in measles cases.

The board was constituted on Thursday (April 16) by hospital Director Brig Gen PKM Masudul Islam.

Professor Dr Shahida Yasmin, chief of the Pediatrics Department, will lead the newly formed board.

According to the hospital sources, one child died with measles symptoms in the past 24 hours, while 11 new patients were admitted during the same period. A total of 29 patients recovered and were discharged.

At present, 145 patients with measles symptoms are undergoing treatment at the hospital. Since the outbreak began, 613 patients have been admitted, of whom 51 have died, according to hospital data.

Other members include Professor Dr Azizul Haque (Medicine), Professor Dr Monjur Elahi (Neuro Medicine), Professor Dr Ahmad Zainuddin Sani (Respiratory Medicine), Professor Dr Sharmina Aftab (Virology), ICU head Dr Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal, Dr Mizanur Rahman (Microbiology), and Junior Consultant Dr Rakibul Hasan Rashed (Cardiology).

The hospital officials said the decision was taken as the number of patients continues to rise, requiring specialised and coordinated management for severe and complicated cases. Board members will provide on-site supervision as needed.

RMCH spokesperson Dr Shankar K Biswas said such expert committees are routinely formed to ensure the highest standard of patient care during outbreaks.