Pirojpur hospital overwhelmed with patients as diarrhoea cases surge with rising temperatures
Despite the hospital being at double its capacity with numerous patients, the number of daily admissions continues to rise, most of whom are children
As the summer heat intensifies, the number of diarrhoea cases has surged in Pirojpur, overwhelming the district hospital.
Despite the hospital being at double its capacity with numerous patients, the number of daily admissions continues to rise, most of whom are children.
Due to a lack of sufficient beds, many patients are being treated on the floor, and healthcare staff are struggling to cope with the influx.
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Dr Suranjit Saha, an on-duty physician at the hospital, said the number of patients is far higher than what the diarrhoea ward can handle, especially with more children being admitted than adults.
According to hospital sources, the diarrhoea ward at the district hospital has only 26 beds, but as of today (8 April), 52 patients were admitted.
In the past 24 hours alone, 29 new patients have been admitted. Over the past week, a total of 218 diarrhoea patients have been treated at the hospital.
On a visit to the hospital today, this correspondent saw that patients and their relatives were packed into the diarrhoea ward, sitting and lying in close proximity. Some patients were even lying on the floor near the toilet, which was unhygienic and unclean. The floor itself was dirty, adding to the discomfort.
Makshuda Begum, who came from Hularkhati village of Sadar upazila, said, "My daughter has been unwell for a week. We've been admitted for three days. Initially, we couldn't find a bed and had to lie on the floor. Only after a day were we able to get a bed. The diarrhoea ward is overcrowded."
Rahima Begum, from Kaukhali upazila, said she brought her 1-year and 3-month-old daughter Muntaha for treatment. "My daughter has been sick for four days now. We were unable to get a bed today."
Nadira Akter, mother of a 6-month-old child named Tanzila from Bagerhat's Mollerghat upazila, expressed concerns over the hospital's service.
"We've been admitted for two days, but the hospital isn't providing all the necessary medication. We had to buy some medicines from outside. There are many management issues, and if we speak out, they might stop our treatment."
Rubel Molla, a patient from Daudpur, said, "There is a severe shortage of drinking water at the hospital. We have to buy water from outside.
"The floors are never cleaned properly. We're lying on the floor to get treatment. The staff doesn't even sweep once a day. Patients are being treated with complete neglect."
Anjali Roy, a nurse at Pirojpur District Hospital, said, "Since Eid, the number of patients has increased significantly. We're trying our best to provide proper care, but we only have one cleaning staff and not enough nurses.
"The number of patients is much higher than the available workforce, and we're struggling to provide adequate service."
Dr Nizam Uddin, residential medical officer (RMO) at Pirojpur District Hospital, said, "The number of diarrhoea patients has risen dramatically.
"We have enough medication for treatment, but the sudden increase in patients has caused some coordination issues. However, there is no shortage of commitment in providing care."
