Mymensingh not ready to treat coronavirus patients
The hospitals in Mymensingh are not well equipped to tackle coronavirus patients although the number of infected people in the district is on the rise.
The authorities have prepared a few beds of a hospital to treat coronavirus patients.
The hospital, however, does not have any Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or ventilator facility.
Experts fear that the dilapidated healthcare system would stumble if the number of patients suddenly multiplies in the divisional town.
The authorities so far only prepared a 30-bed isolation unit in SK Hospital built in British era.
The hospital is not equipped with ICUs or ventilators.
Critically ill patients are being transferred to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.
Physicians fear the situation might turn devastating with an increase in the number of patients.
President of Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) Mymensigh chapter Matiur Rahman Bhuiyan said patients, physicians and nurses are not safe in SK Hospital since the hospital lacks check-up facilities.
He suggested the authorities designate one of the two medical college hospitals of the district for coronavirus treatment.
Civil surgeon ABM Mashiul Alam said a total of 1,700 samples were tested at PCR laboratory of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital as of Sunday, with 104 testing positive for coronavirus.
Among them, 31 are from Mymensingh, 27 from Netrakona, 30 from Jamalpur and 16 from Sherpur, he added.
One patient of SK Hospital succumbed to the virus.
Director of health department Md Abul Kashem said a proposal has been sent to the health minister, health secretary and director general of DGHS to designate one of two medical colleges for coronavirus treatment.
Deputy commissioner Md Mizanur Rahman said, “Community based medical college hospital authorities have already prepared a 30-bed facility for coronavirus patients. Hospital authorities informed us of various shortcomings. We are still considering designating a specialized hospital for coronavirus patients.”
Community based medical college hospital’s director M Karim Khan said they are taking necessary preparations for treating coronavirus patients.
He said health department officials have visited the hospital and they would take steps according to higher authorities’ decision.