As the number of dengue-infected patients continues to rise in the Barisal region, including Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital (SBMCH), a critical shortage of platelet cell separator equipment has emerged, leading to a crisis in patient treatment.
Dr Moniruzzaman, assistant director of SBMCH, stated that most dengue patients admitted to the hospital have been discharged after successful recovery. However, if a patient's blood platelet count falls below 20,000, posing a life-threatening situation, they are immediately referred to Dhaka for further treatment.
Unfortunately, while patients with financial abilities can seek medical assistance in Dhaka, the underprivileged patients in Barisal are not receiving adequate services in this regard.
According to the latest information from the Divisional Health Department, a total of 996 dengue patients have been admitted for treatment in various government hospitals across six districts of the Barisal Division since January 1, 2023. The shortage of platelet cell separator equipment adds to the challenges faced by medical professionals as they strive to provide quality care to dengue patients in the region.
Around 767 patients have recovered and received clearance, while one person died of dengue. Currently, there are 228 individuals receiving treatment in the hospital. Within the last 24 hours until July 10, 2023, 98 new dengue patients were admitted.
To address the lack of experienced medical specialists at upazila and district-level hospitals, Deputy Director of Divisional Health Dr Shyamal Krishna Mandal has directed the transfer of severe dengue cases to Barisal SBMCH.
Dr HM Saiful Islam, director of SBMCH, mentioned that a dedicated ward for dengue patients has been set up on the ground floor of the new building. In addition to the platelet cell separator device, the hospital is equipped with all necessary equipment for the treatment of dengue patients.
The SBMCH director further informed that they had previously applied for a platelet cell separator machine, with assurance of quick delivery from the ministry. However, as they did not receive it, they submitted a new application this year.
During a visit to Barisal SBMCH, it was observed that separate arrangements have been made to ensure the treatment of dengue patients, including dedicated rooms or wards, an adequate number of doctors and nurses, essential medicines, and mosquito nets for the patients.
Patients in the Barisal region are facing obstacles in receiving prescribed care as no hospital in the area possesses a platelet cell separator machine. This situation adversely impacts individuals with rapid platelet depletion, preventing them from accessing the necessary treatment.
Shaon, a dengue-infected patient residing in the Alekanda area of the city, shared his experience of being admitted to SBMCH. Unfortunately, as his condition rapidly deteriorated and his platelet count began to decrease, he had to be referred to Dhaka due to the unavailability of a platelet cell separator machine in regional hospitals.
Thankfully, he survived by receiving platelets from multiple bags of blood along with essential medications in Dhaka.
This highlights the pressing need for platelet cell separator machines in regional hospitals to ensure timely and adequate treatment for dengue patients.
