Separate wards mandatory for measles patients: Health Department

As the number of measles patients is increasing at an alarming rate across the country, the Health Department has issued special instructions to all government and private healthcare institutions. To control the infection and ensure effective treatment of the infected, separate wards or cabins have been ordered to be opened for measles and suspected measles patients.

The instructions signed by Health Department Director (Hospitals and Clinics) Moinul Ahsan said that separate isolation wards or cabins should be opened for measles infected and suspected patients in all government healthcare institutions in the country. It has also been ordered to admit the patients there and ensure necessary treatment.

The instructions also said that sufficient doctors and health workers should be kept in the measles isolation wards. Regular rounds of specialist doctors should be ensured every morning and afternoon, including holidays, so that the patients get fast and quality treatment.

In addition, it has been informed that not more than one guardian or visitor will be allowed to enter with the patient to control the infection. All the information of the admitted patients has been ordered to be uploaded to the MIS server every day.

Public health experts say that since measles is highly contagious, strengthening separate wards and isolation systems to prevent hospital-based transmission is a timely decision. This will ensure safe treatment for patients and also reduce the risk of spreading the infection to other patients.

According to experts, it is important to strengthen vaccination programs in addition to medical treatment to prevent measles. If children are vaccinated on time, it is possible to significantly reduce the infection and mortality rate.