Ctg medical measles corner grapples with overwhelmed patients

The measles corner at Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) is operating far beyond its capacity, with more than 50 children receiving treatment in a facility designed for just 16 beds, significantly increasing the vulnerability of patients.

A visit to Ward No 9 of the hospital's paediatric unit this morning (15 April) found that three to four children were being treated on a single bed in two small, overcrowded rooms partitioned from the general ward by glass. 

The patient load – more than triple the bed capacity – along with attendants has made the rooms extremely hot and claustrophobic. Poor ventilation and inadequate lighting have further aggravated the situation.

The ward echoed with the cries of measles-infected children, many covered in red rashes. Some were on oxygen support, while others had saline lines attached. 

According to hospital data, out of the 59 children in the measles corner, seven were shifted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) today due to critical conditions. On average, 15 to 20 new patients are being admitted each day.

Sanjida Sultana, mother of nine-month-old Ar-Raiyan, said, "After a few days of fever, rashes suddenly appeared on his body. We brought him here from Banshkhali, and doctors admitted him to this ward with measles symptoms. So many children are being kept in such a small space – it's difficult for both the children and us."

Sarmila Yasmin, mother of five-month-old Abu Hasnat Rehan from Cox's Bazar Sadar upazila, said, "There isn't even enough space to breastfeed or give medicine. Three children share one bed in a small room. The heat is making it even worse."

Doctors say measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads rapidly through coughing and sneezing, and overcrowded conditions significantly increase the risk of transmission. More than a hundred children are also receiving treatment for various illnesses in adjacent wards, putting even uninfected patients at risk.

A recent surge in measles cases has already put huge pressure on hospitals in Chattogram, with facilities struggling to accommodate the growing number of patients.

Professor Dr Mohammad Musa, head of the paediatric department, said they are struggling to cope with the influx. "Children are being shifted to other wards as soon as they show slight improvement to make room for critical patients. Keeping multiple children on one bed is uncomfortable for us as well, but we have no other option," he said.

Dr Sushanta Barua, member secretary of the Public Health Rights Protection Centre, warned that the rising number of infections and limited hospital capacity are putting increasing strain on the healthcare system.

Civil Surgeon Dr Jahangir Alam told The Business Standard that immunisation efforts have been strengthened at the field level, expressing hope that the situation will improve in the coming days.