Milestone Tragedy: Infection poses major concern in recovery of the injured

Although the condition of many patients injured in the Milestone School plane crash is gradually improving, doctors at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery (NIBPS) say infections are emerging as a serious complication in their recovery.

They have attributed the rise in infections to overcrowding at the hospital, with large numbers of visitors ignoring hospital protocols. This, doctors warn, is jeopardising the recovery of patients – particularly the 27 children currently receiving treatment.

Doctors noted that infection is a major complication in burn injuries, significantly raising the risk of morbidity and mortality. They explained that burned tissue loses its natural protective barrier, creating a favourable environment for microbial growth and infection.

According to them, since the day of the incident, thousands of people have gathered at the hospital. Even now, the heavy presence of patients' relatives continues.

Speaking to The Business Standard on the issue, Dr Tanveer Ahmed, associate professor of Plastic Surgery at the NIBPS, said, "If infection enters the body, even with just 1% burn, the risk becomes very high. Once it sets in, it is extremely difficult to manage. Globally, infection is a major concern for burn patients but in our country, it's even more so because people don't follow rules."

"On the day of the incident, several thousand people gathered at the hospital, far exceeding the expected 200–250 attendants for 60 patients," he added.

"The skin is the body's first barrier. Just like how enemies can easily enter if a border has no guards, infections enter and harm the body when the skin is compromised. Infections are invisible at first – they become apparent after three to four days. By the time it's visible, antibiotics often no longer work," he added. 

A doctor at the burn institute, speaking on condition of anonymity, said even patients with relatively minor burns from the Milestone incident are struggling with infections. 

"In some cabins, seven to eight relatives are staying with a single patient, and they are not following doctors' instructions," the doctor added.

The situation has also affected other patients already admitted to the burn unit, with doctors reporting cross-infections due to the influx of visitors and patients following the Milestone crash.

Currently, 33 patients are being treated at NIBPS, of whom 27 are children. 

Hospital Director Professor Dr Mohammad Nasir Uddin said three are in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), eight are in serious condition, 19 are in cabins, and the remainder in general wards.

He added that patients with extensive burns will require long-term physiotherapy and continued care, even after surgical procedures such as skin grafting. "If infections take hold, the danger becomes far greater. That's why we're placing special emphasis on infection control," Dr Nasir said.

Alongside physical treatment, mental health support is also being prioritised, especially for the younger patients recovering from both physical trauma and emotional distress.