Unknown disease at Galachipa Upazila Health Complex
An unknown disease has been attacking patients at Galachipa Upazila Health Complex in the district over the last one-and-a-half months, creating panic among the people.
Around 150 patients of the health complex were attacked by the disease and were referred to different hospitals, including Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital (BSMCH) for treatment.
The district health administration asked the health complex authorities to shift the emergency department to another place and also requested them to solve the problem.
Saiful Islam, 18, a first-year degree student at Galachipa College, was injured in a motorbike accident and took primary treatment from Patuakhali General Hospital. He went to Galachipa Upazila Health Complex the next day to take fresh treatment, but his wound turned septic two days later.
Kulsum Begum, 45, a housewife in Gupterhawla village, went to the health complex to receive treatment as she was suffering from skin disease. Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Dr Imam Sikder treated her in the emergency department. But her wounds went septic in two weeks and the pain increased. The RMO then referred her to BSMCH for treatment as the disease was unknown to the physicians.
Like Saiful and Kulsum, many patients who come to the emergency department of the health complex are attacked by the unknown disease.
RMO Dr Imam said they are afraid that the health complex employees could also be attacked. “We informed the higher authorities about the matter and requested them to take steps to solve the problem,” he added.
More than 200 patients used to come to the complex, but now only around 50 patients come here due to fear of the unknown disease, he added.
Galachipa Municipality Mayor Anisul Haque Tuhin said he heard about the matter and fear is spreading among the local people. He urged the authorities concerned to solve the matter soon considering the people's interest.
Civil Surgeon of Patuakhali Dr Shah Mojahidul Islam visited the health complex on November 18 after hearing about the matter.
“I informed the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) about the matter and they advised us to clean the emergency department and all the instruments properly,” he said, adding that a team from IEDCR will visit the health complex soon to identify the disease.
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