Just a month ago, Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) was grappling with a surge of dengue patients that stretched resources to capacity, with patients spilling over into the corridors.
However, a noticeable drop in cases has since brought welcome relief.
During an on-site visit to DMCH on Tuesday, 5 November, a stark contrast was evident. In the last 24 hours, only 4 new dengue patients were admitted.
Currently, 59 dengue patients remain under treatment at the hospital; of these, 13 are in the dedicated dengue ward, Ward 401, while the remaining 46 are receiving treatment across the Medicine Department’s Wards 601, 602, 701, 702, 801, and 802.
Due to the increase in dengue cases last year, the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) COVID-19 Dedicated Hospital in Mohakhali was repurposed to serve dengue patients, providing a crucial support system during peak periods.
Sources indicate that, due to a bed shortage at DMCH, patients are transferred to the DNCC Dedicated Hospital when demand surges.
A nurse stationed in Ward 401 of DMCH recalled that just a month earlier, the influx of dengue patients was intense.
With only 40 beds available in the ward, hospital authorities would assess the severity of each case, transferring stable patients to the DNCC facility based on priority.
Brigadier General Asaduzzaman, director of DMCH, said, “We still see a moderate influx of dengue patients. However, with limited beds, we only retain critical cases here, transferring others to the DNCC Dedicated Hospital. The ministry has directed us to implement this protocol.”
DMCH’s Medicine Department has confirmed that female patients affected by dengue are receiving care in Wards 601 to 802.
Although there is a dedicated ward for male patients, such arrangements are unavailable for female patients, who are thus receiving dengue care in the Medicine Department.
According to entomologists, dengue outbreaks are likely to persist throughout this month before gradually subsiding.
Since January this year, a total of 63,165 dengue cases have been reported across Bangladesh, with 310 fatalities.
In comparison, last year saw 321,179 dengue admissions and 1,705 deaths, according to data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
