General patients steer clear of hospitals
The number of patients at public hospitals and health complexes in different districts has sharply reduced, with many avoiding the facilities in fear of contracting coronavirus.
Doctors and caregivers are also apprehensive of inspecting patients, as they don't have sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE), or testing kits to detect coronavirus.
Our correspondents report on the prevailing situation at such healthcare institutions:
In Barishal, the number of patients has significantly reduced at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital. Only those in most urgent need or suffering from severe illnesses are going to the hospital.
During a recent visit, our correspondent found around half of the 1,000 beds vacant there.
Normally, around 1,800 to 2,000 patients visit to the hospital's outpatient department daily. But, the figure has come down to 600 to 700 in the last several days, said hospital director Dr Bakir Hossain.
Besides, a total of 1,614 patients were admitted there on March 17; 1,538 on March 18 and 1,506 on March 19. But the number dropped sharply to 984 on March 22; 857 on March 23; 657 on March 24 and 600 on March 25, said the director.
Sahidul Islam (60) was admitted to the medicine ward around a week ago. But he decided to get released on March 25, claiming that he was not getting proper healthcare.
Talking to this newspaper, several doctors said most physicians are scared of treating patients due to a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Contacted, Dr Bakir Hossain said PPE and Covid-19 testing kits will reach the hospital soon.
In Moulvibazar, Kulaura Upazila Health Complex has worn a deserted look as the number of patients and visitors has sharply fallen, amid fear of being infected with the virus.
Upon a recent visit, to the health complex, doctors, nurses and other staff were seen sitting idle.
The authorities said only nine patients visited the outpatient department on March 25.
During the visit, no patient was found at the male ward on the second floor of the healthcare facility. There were only two patients in the female ward.
Bosu Miah, a resident of Notun Bosti in Tilagaon area
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