A large number of children affected with cold related diseases have been admitted to Nilphamari Sadar Modern Hospital within a few days as the northern district has been experiencing biting cold since the start of winter.
However, the shortage of space in the hospital is causing immense sufferings to the patients.
According to the hospital sources, as many as 54 child patients affected with diarrhoea and pneumonia are currently undergoing treatment at the diarrhoea and children wards in the hospital.
A visit on Sunday morning saw that children are bearing the brunt of the cold-related diseases most as the two wards of the hospital have only 20 beds. Two patients are receiving treatment on each bed, while some are being treated by being housed on the floor.
A nurse who is working at the diarrhoea ward said that 21 child patients are currently being treated at the ward while the capacity is only for 10 beds.
The Children's ward which also has 10 beds is struggling to treat 33 child patients, said a nurse, working at the ward.
"I admitted my six-year-old child to the hospital in the morning as he was suddenly affected with diarrhoea. But, due to the shortage of space, I brought my child back home after receiving primary treatment." said Amena Begum.
Nilphamari Modern Sadar Hospital Residential Medical Officer(RMO) Dr Abu Safi Mahmud said: "The child patients affected with diarrhoea and pneumonia have increased significantly as the temperature in the district is continuously dropping."
He also said that children are comparatively vulnerable to cold related diseases, adding, "Children need to be hospitalized as soon as they are affected with diarrhoea, pneumonia, and other cold related diseases."
