Amid the dengue outbreak, patients from different parts of the country are coming to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) for treatment. However, stagnant water, dirt, waste and unhygienic conditions in various parts of the hospital are increasing the risk of mosquito breeding and the spread of disease-causing germs.
In one building, sewage was also seen leaking through a hole in a toilet pipe on the third floor and spreading to the surrounding area.
Stagnant water and mosquitoes
During an on-site visit, stagnant water was found in several open drains and holes after entering the hospital through its outpatient department. Water had also accumulated in discarded coconut shells and tea cups, with signs indicating that it had been there for a long time.
Water dripping from air-conditioning (AC) units was also accumulating in different places. Cigarette butts, tissue paper and other waste were floating in the water. While the accumulated water was clear in some places, it was dirty in others.
Mosquitoes were visible in the stagnant water, while numerous patients waited nearby for their turn to receive treatment.
According to experts, Aedes mosquito larvae can develop in stagnant water within just three days under favourable conditions. Therefore, removing stagnant water and maintaining cleanliness in hospitals and other public places are crucial during a dengue outbreak.
Entomologist Professor Kabirul Bashar said: “The risk is even greater when Aedes mosquitoes breed in a hospital, as many patients receive treatment there. This also increases the risk of disease transmission. For this reason, the premises of every hospital should be inspected at least once a week to check whether water has accumulated in any place or container. These areas must be cleaned regularly. Under no circumstances should Aedes mosquitoes be allowed to breed around hospitals. Keeping hospital premises clean is essential.”
He added that Aedes mosquitoes can breed in both clear and dirty water, provided it remains stagnant. Their larvae do not develop in flowing water.
Bashar said Aedes mosquito larvae could develop in stagnant water within three days, while an egg takes around seven days to develop into an adult mosquito. Aedes mosquitoes lay their eggs on the sides of containers near the waterline, whereas Culex mosquitoes lay their eggs on the water’s surface.
Therefore, water must not be allowed to accumulate anywhere on hospital premises, and cleanliness must be maintained.
Water accumulates near paediatric ward
Water has also accumulated beside the hospital’s paediatric ward, spreading a foul stench. Mosquitoes have also been spotted in the area.
Mochammat Asiya brought her son, who has been diagnosed with dengue, to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment.
Asiya said: “We come here for treatment hoping to recover. However, if water accumulates in different places and the environment remains unclean, there is a risk of becoming even sicker instead of recovering. Someone may come here for treatment for another illness and contract dengue. How can patients recover if conditions inside the hospital are like this? These issues should be brought to the attention of the hospital authorities.”
Sewage leaks from toilet pipe
During a visit to a section of the hospital’s third floor, sewage was seen leaking through a hole in a large pipe in a washroom on the left. The leakage was spreading a foul smell throughout the surrounding area. The waste was also being carried around on people’s feet as they walked through the affected area.
Mohammad Arif is staying at the hospital with his wife, who has been admitted for treatment. He said sewage had been leaking from the pipe for the past two days, leaving them with no choice but to walk through the waste.
“I informed the cleaning staff about the problem on the very first day. However, no action has been taken yet. It is obvious how many types of germs could spread from here and how many people could fall ill. We came to the hospital to recover, yet we have to stay here amid germs and foul smells,” he said.
Pointing to another section of the hospital, Arif said dirty water had also been accumulating there for a long time. He stressed that keeping the hospital clean was essential, as patients from different parts of the country come to the facility for treatment.
In addition, water was found accumulating on the left side of the hospital after exiting the indoor department, with mosquitoes visible on its surface.
What the hospital authorities say
Dhaka Medical College Hospital Director Brigadier General Md Asaduzzaman said the number of patients far exceeded the hospital’s capacity. The presence of patients’ relatives also made it difficult to maintain cleanliness amid the pressure caused by the large number of people.
“However, we are continuing our cleaning activities. I have also joined recently. We are continuing our efforts as far as possible,” he said.
Regarding the sewage leaking through the hole in the toilet pipe, the director said the problem would be resolved soon. He added that work was underway to identify and address problems in various parts of the hospital.
