The number of dengue patients continues to rise across the country, accompanied by an increasing mortality rate. September has seen a significant surge in dengue cases at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) compared to previous months, although patients and their relatives have expressed satisfaction with the treatment provided.
According to hospital authorities, while the number of dengue patients was manageable in earlier months, there has been a sharp rise in cases of dengue fever, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, since the beginning of this month.
Currently, 55 patients are receiving treatment at DMCH, as reported by the hospital on Thursday (12 September).
Upon visiting the hospital in the afternoon, it was observed that male dengue patients were being treated on the fourth floor of the new building in Ward 402.
Meanwhile, patients in the general medicine and dengue units were accommodated in Wards 801 and 802 on the eighth floor.
Both inside and outside the wards, patients were admitted, and every space appeared clean and well-maintained.
Doctors and nurses were seen providing as much assistance as possible, with nurses attending to any patient concerns promptly. Patients ranged from young adults to the elderly, although no patients under the age of ten were observed.
Speaking with nurses on duty, they reported that the majority of dengue patients were between 20 and 40 years old, with only a few cases involving children under ten.
They confirmed that the number of dengue patients has risen steadily since the beginning of this month.
The nurses also mentioned that most patients admitted were from Dhaka’s Lalbagh and Kamrangirchar areas, as well as Savar.
Additionally, patients from Narayanganj and various parts of the country have come to DMCH for treatment.
A nurse from Ward 402 commented, "We are always ready to help the patients, ensuring they take their medications on time and administering injections when needed."
In terms of patient numbers, the nurse reported that Ward 402 currently has 34 male patients. Of the original 38 patients, 8 have been discharged, and 1 left voluntarily, with 5 new admissions bringing the total to 34.
Similarly, the number of patients in the ward was 31 the previous day, with 6 discharged, 2 leaving voluntarily, and 15 new admissions, totalling 38 patients.
Further inquiries revealed that Ward 801 currently houses 12 dengue patients, while Ward 802 accommodates 9.
Among the patients is Md Anis, a rickshaw puller from Hazaribagh, who has been hospitalised for five days due to dengue.
When asked about mosquito infestations in his area, he noted, "There are relatively fewer mosquitoes where I live, so I’m not sure how I contracted dengue."
Regarding his experience at DMCH, he said, "The nurses and doctors here are very kind. Whenever I forget which medication to take or when to take it, they explain everything to me patiently. The environment here is also very clean."
Similarly, Rajib, a patient from Barishal, has been receiving treatment at DMCH for the past eight days. He too praised the quality of care, stating, "I’m receiving the treatment I need based on my condition."
Many other patients also expressed satisfaction with the dengue treatment they were receiving.
Dr Urmi Rahman, on duty at Ward 402, told Bangladesh First "We are dedicated to serving the patients and are doing our best to provide good treatment."
Local Government Adviser AF Hassan Ariff visited DMCH on 11 September to check on the dengue patients.
He emphasised the importance of integrated efforts to combat dengue and other diseases, particularly the destruction of mosquito larvae breeding in stagnant water caused by recent floods and heavy rains.
