70% BSMMU dengue patients were at death risk: Study
"It was a very tough task for the doctors to save the life of these patients, but they succeeded"
Almost 70 percent of dengue patients admitted to the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) during the recent outbreak were under death risk as their platelet count was below 50,000, a recent study has revealed.
A BSMMU team, headed by Dr Tanvir Islam, associate professor of the Department of Internal Medicine, conducted the research over 240 dengue patients since July 24 this year.
"The patients with low platelet count were also suffering from dengue hemorrhagic fever. It was a very tough task for the doctors to save the life of these patients, but they succeeded," read the study.
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The research findings titled "Continued Research: Steps towards Developed Education and Healthcare" was revealed in a programme to mark the University Research Day 2019 at Dr Shaheed Milon Auditorium of the university in the capital's Shahbag area on Wednesday.
The study also said that, during the outbreak, 1,300 dengue patients took medical service from the hospital, but five of them died.
Of the patients, 68 percent came from Dhaka and 32 percent from outside the capital.
The vice-chancellor of the university, Professor Dr Konok Kanti Barua, presided over the programme, while Health Minister Zahid Malik was present as the chief guest.
Zahid Malik said: "Drive against corruption is underway. The prime minister is also determined to eliminate the corrupt. She wants mental development of the countrymen along with infrastructure development."
"We, especially the doctors, must have ethics. That's why the doctors must provide appropriate treatment to the patients. If we fail to do this, the country definitely can't go ahead," the minister added.
He further said, "I went to a hospital recently but saw no doctor there, and the machineries were not functioning too. Why do we see such kind of scenario in the hospitals when the general people are being deprived of treatment? This is also a part of corruption. Please don't do it for the sake of the nation."
"We want change, and it has to be achieved through good works. We will have to face many obstacles, but we must go ahead overcoming all barriers," he added.
Dr Syed Modasser Ali, chairman of the Bangladesh Medical Research Council, and Sheikh Yousuf Harun, secretary of the Health Education and Family Welfare Division of the Health Ministry, were present as special guests.
Professor Dr Md Shahidullah Sikder, pro-vice-chancellor (Research and Development) of the BSMMU, and Professor Dr Shahana Akhter, pro-vice-chancellor (Education) of the BSMMU, among others, addressed the function.
