Pneumonia cases surge in Chattogram; CMCH treating triple its bed capacity
Due to the acute bed shortage, three to four children are being treated on a single bed. In some cases, multiple patients are sharing the same oxygen supply line
Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) is facing an alarming surge in child pneumonia cases, with patient numbers nearly doubling over the past two weeks.
The Department of Paediatrics at CMCH is currently treating almost three times the number of patients compared to its bed capacity.
There are 130 government-approved beds in the children wards. However, around 400 children are currently admitted on average. Each day, about 100 new patients arrive, at least 60 of whom are diagnosed with pneumonia, according to data from the department.
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The overwhelming patient load has left doctors struggling to manage the situation.
Due to the acute bed shortage, three to four children are being treated on a single bed. In some cases, multiple patients are sharing the same oxygen supply line.
Dr Mohammad Musa, head of the CMCH's paediatrics department, said, "Our paediatric wards are witnessing a significant rise in pneumonia cases."
"We already had more patients than our approved capacity, but the situation has worsened. Since we cannot turn away any child, we are compelled to accommodate multiple patients per bed. Despite limited resources, we are trying our best to provide the highest level of care," he added.
Doctors noted that, as per medical standards, each child should receive oxygen through a separate distribution line — but that is no longer possible amid the current influx. This has made it difficult to maintain a proper oxygen balance for each patient.
Health experts identify pneumonia as one of the leading causes of death among children under five. Low birth weight, premature birth, and vitamin A deficiency make children more vulnerable to the disease.
Doctors emphasised that ensuring proper maternal nutrition during pregnancy, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, maintaining a smoke-free environment, and regular handwashing can significantly reduce the risk of pneumonia.
Health experts further recommend keeping children in well-ventilated environments and ensuring all vaccines under the national immunisation programme are administered. They also advise influenza vaccination for children who suffer from frequent colds and coughs.
