Twelve patients died from the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours till yesterday at Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital (RMCH).
Of the deceased, nine hailed from Rajshahi district while three belonged to Chapainawabganj district, RMCH Deputy Director Dr Saiful Ferdous told Dhaka Tribune.
Of the 12 people, seven people tested positive while the others were admitted to the hospital with coronavirus symptoms.
Currently, 142 patients from Rajshahi, 111 from Chapainawabganj, 15 from Naogaon, 15 from Natore, three from Pabna, three from Kushtia and one from Chuadanga are undergoing treatment at the RMCH Covid unit.
On June 2, the Rajshahi district administration announced to impose restrictions in the district to break the chain of Covid-19 transmission.
The hospital authorities are trying to cope with the rising number of caseloads by turning the general wards to accommodate the Covid patients. The supply of oxygen has also been increased.
Due to lack of beds, some patients were kept on the floor beds.
Hospital Director Brig Gen Md Shamim Yazdani said that they were facing hurdles tackling the rising number of patients. “It has also created panic among the hospital staff.”
He mentioned that treatment at the general wards was little hampered due to the Covid situation.
ICU In-charge at the hospital Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal said that the number of deaths was rising as the patients had been brought in critical condition.
“There are 17 ICU beds and a VIP bed at the hospital. We are working to add two more beds,” he added.
