With winter approaching, the influx of patients seeking treatment for hot water burns at the emergency department and outdoor facilities of the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka has been steadily rising every day.
The authorities concerned have noted that a significant 50% of the total number of patients admitted are children, many of whom tragically lose limbs due to burns before their parents are even aware of the severity of the situation.
The gravity of the situation is exemplified by the case of Nazmun Nahar from Mymensingh, who brought her 16-month-old child, Tuhin, to the institute with severe burns on his left hand, leg, underarm, and abdomen.
Tuhin's injuries occurred when he accidentally fell into hot ashes after his mother cleaned the stove.
Another example is the case of Yasmin and Masum Miah, who brought their two-and-a-half-year-old son, Junayed, from Mehendiganj in Barisal.
Junayed sustained burns on 13% of his body while pulling a hot rice pan during a beating, resulting in continuous pain and distress.
Capacity shortage
Dr Samanta Lal Sen, the coordinator of the institute, highlighted the alarming trend, saying that on some days, more than 15 children are admitted with burns caused solely by hot bath water.
Although the institute has an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for critical treatment, there are only 35 beds for children, which is insufficient compared to the number of patients.
Since many of the beds are occupied by patients with prolonged burn injuries, new patients often have to be turned away.
High cost
Doctors say that the cost of treatment for the burn patients is high as many have to undergo surgery or get artificial transplants of organs.
They stress that the irreversibility and high costs associated with artificial organ transplant make it an impractical option for many patients at the institute as most come from different remote areas of Bangladesh.
As such, the doctors underscore the importance of parental awareness to prevent such incidents.
Dr Hamidur Rahman Sabuj drew attention to the financial struggles of many parents, asserting that they cannot afford the basic tests required for their children.
The Department of Social Services covers a portion of the plastic surgery costs, but the assistance is limited to no more than Tk20,000 per person.
Lack of awareness
Dr Samanta Lal Sen attributed 90% of child burns to parental ignorance, citing incidents involving hot water, dal, milk, as well as winter-related burns from fire, electrical shocks, kite-flying accidents, stove mishaps and accessible flammable materials.
To address the root cause, experts emphasize the crucial role of increased parental awareness in reducing child burn incidents.
Dr Samanta Lal Sen specifically called for media and textbook campaigns, pointing out that existing education board funds in this regard are underutilized.
Dr Lutfunnahar, in charge of the children's ward, expressed her concerns over the lack of awareness among families, leading to post-burn complications and the need for expensive, prolonged treatment.
The statistics further highlight the severity of the issue, with 3,728 burn patients seeking treatment till October, and children comprising 40-50% of these cases.
Timely treatment
Dr Mohammad Hedayet Ali Khan, an associate professor at the institution, highlighted the importance of timely medical intervention.
He stressed the need for treating the burnt area with normal temperature water for 30 minutes before seeking professional medical attention.
He said: “Patients with lower than 10% burn are at low risk. More than that, the risk increases. Parents need to bring their children with burn injuries immediately to hospitals, which is not a common case.”
He also cautioned against home remedies, such as adding eggs, salt, or paste to burn wounds.
