Only 52 ICU beds vacant in Dhaka, 242 in whole country
Mugda Medical College Principal Professor Dr Ahmedul Kabir said they are facing difficulties dealing with an increased number of Covid-19 patients
Bangladesh is now on the brink of facing a severe scarcity of intensive care unit (ICU) beds in hospitals as many have already been occupied due to a fresh resurgence in Covid-19 infections.
Among the 263 ICU beds at all dedicated Covid-19 government and private hospitals in Dhaka, only 52 are now vacant, according to the Directorate General of Health Services.
The number of vacant ICU beds is 242 when it comes to all hospitals across the country.
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In the capital, Kurmitola General Hospital, Mugda Medical College Hospital, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Kuwait-Bangladesh Friendship Hospital, and Government Employees Hospital have no vacant ICU bed now.
The same scenario was found at two dedicated private Covid-19 hospitals – Ibn Sina and AMZ.
The number of vacant general ward beds is also low as only 639 are available in Dhaka, and 7,605 in the entire country.
Talking to The Business Standard, Mugda Medical College Principal Professor Dr Ahmedul Kabir said they are facing difficulties dealing with an increased number of Covid-19 patients.
"The number of Covid-19 patients suddenly increased at a time when we were preparing for treating non-Covid-19 patients. We are preparing to arrange more beds," he said.
Citing limitations of arrangements, he laid emphasis on complying with the health guidelines in order to keep coronavirus infection under control.
"Everyone has to wear mask and maintain hygiene rules. Otherwise, the situation will be difficult to handle," he added.
Bangladesh experienced a fresh resurgence in coronavirus infections and fatalities in the last few days.
On Monday, 30 people lost their battle against Covid-19. It was the highest daily death toll since 26 December last year.
