SBMCH in Barishal: 110 infants died of cold-related diseases in Dec
With winter temperature going down, 110 infants died of cold related diseases at Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital (SBMCH) last month, according to doctors.
Dr Bakir Hossain, director of the hospital, said, “The situation has turned worse recently as 110 infants died at our hospital in December, which is around four children a day. They were suffering from cold-related complications and were brought to the hospital in critical condition.”
Since the beginning of December, several hundred child patients have been arriving at the hospital every day with conditions like pneumonia, asthma, and bronchitis. Some of them were having serious breathing difficulties.
Dr Faizul Haque Ponir, resident physician of SBMCH, said seven infants died only on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the hospital is treating child patients more than double its capacity.
Dr Ponir said, “Last month around 200 infants received treatment at the outdoor on an average every day, and 110 remained admitted on a given day while our admission capacity is 48.”
As there is no specialised government hospital for children in Barishal, SBMCH has to treat child patients coming from all over the division.
Anisha Rahman brought her two-year-old daughter from Bauphal upazila on Friday with complaints of breathing difficulties. “My daughter was first admitted to Bauphal Upazila Health Complex, but we brought her here as her health conditions deteriorated,” she said.
The girl was seen wheezing even when wearing an oxygen mask.
Talking to The Daily Star yesterday, Ayesha, mother of a six-month-old, said, “My child has been suffering from cold for two days. I stood in the queue two hours ago, but my turn hasn't come yet.”
With the same problem, another six-month-old was brought from Bakerganj. The boy was initially admitted to Bakerganj Upazila Health Complex, but shifted later.
SBMCH Director Dr Bakir said, “The number of children admitted for cold related diseases has tripled now than the normal time.”
Not only this hospital, many were admitted to the city clinics, he said.
Jibon Krishna Dey, president of Barishal district chapter of children's organisation Khelaghar, said, “We demand establishment of a children's hospital in Barishal division soon.”
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