Hospitalization of patients with heatstroke, fever, diarrhea, and others is on the rise in Rangpur Medical College Hospital due to the heatwave that has been sweeping over Bangladesh since the first week of April.
During a visit to the hospital on Friday, the correspondent found patients from different areas of the district and other districts were crowding the hospital with sick people.
Besides, many fans of the hospital were found dysfunctional. Frequent power outages have added to the woes to the patients.
At least 22 people died of heatstroke in Rangpur in the last five days amid the ongoing heatwave, according to hospital sources.
According to information recorded in the ward of the hospital, eight to ten heatstroke patients are coming from different areas of Rangpur and the adjoining districts to Rangpur Medical College Hospital to receive treatment.
Due to intense heat, various diseases including heatstroke and diarrohea have spread extensively.
According to Rangpur Meteorological Office sources, the maximum temperature of Rangpur division was recorded at Sayedpur of Nilphamari district at 39.4°C on Friday.
Apart from this, it was recorded at 39°C in Gaibandha, 38.7°C in Dinajpur, 38.4°C in Rajarhat of Kurigram, 38°C in Rangpur, Thakurgaon, 37°Cin Dimla of Lalmonirhat and Nilphamari.
Rangpur Medical College Hospital, the only specialized medical centre in Rangpur Division, now has no space and is fully overcrowded amid the rising of patients.
During a visit, it was found that the number of patients suffering from heatstroke is highest due to extreme heat.
Relatives coming with patients alleged that the doctors come once a day and left after prescribing various tests. All tests including medicines have to be done outside private clinics. Most of the ceiling fans in the ward are dysfunctional.
As a result, patients admitted are getting sicker in extreme heat.
When Dr Akhtaruzzaman, the deputy director of the hospital, was contacted to know about the overall issue, he said that the ceiling fans of the ward were working. If any fan is found dysfunctional, it is repaired instantly.
Many heatstroke patients are receiving treatment in hospitals. The exact number cannot be confirmed in that way.
However, since the number of patients who have been admitted to the hospital is two/three times higher than to normal time, they are putting extra pressure on them.
Even after that, they are trying to provide the best service, said the deputy director.
