Barguna, Nov 11 (V7N) — The Patharghata Upazila Health Complex, a 50-bed hospital in Barguna, is struggling to accommodate a growing influx of dengue patients as seasonal weather changes worsen the outbreak in the coastal region. Despite the hospital's limited capacity, patients crowd into hallways and even sleep on floors due to a lack of beds, enduring difficult conditions exacerbated by a shortage of doctors and cleanliness concerns.

According to Patharghata Upazila Health Complex data, the hospital has treated 216 dengue cases from January through November 10. Monthly numbers indicate a troubling rise, with cases nearly doubling since September. In October alone, 64 patients were admitted, followed by 44 in the first ten days of November. The hospital has also managed an average of 180–200 patients daily across its outpatient, emergency, and inpatient departments, with only four doctors on staff.

Many patients and their families expressed frustration. Sanjeev Dev Kumar, admitted last week with a critical platelet count of 40,000, saw improvement after five days but mentioned that doctors are rarely available during urgent situations. Another patient, Rafiq, reported waiting in line for hours to receive treatment in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions. “Garbage is scattered on the floors. Living with a sick patient in this environment is unbearable,” he added.

Dr. Masud Rana, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, admitted that staff shortages have made it difficult to meet demand. "We have only four doctors against 29 sanctioned positions, and there are staffing gaps in critical roles like cleaners and technicians," he said. Though dengue cases are rising at an alarming rate, the hospital currently has sufficient medical supplies. However, if admissions continue to surge, a shortage of basic resources like saline may be inevitable.

Municipal Administrator and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Roknuzzaman Khan reassured residents that preventive measures are underway. “We've completed the second round of mosquito control spraying, and the third round will begin on Tuesday,” he said, adding that efforts are being intensified to prevent the outbreak from worsening.

With 56,651 patients treated at the Patharghata Upazila Health Complex in the past 10 months, including 6,267 inpatient admissions, the hospital is under severe pressure. Authorities urge prompt reinforcement of medical staff and resources to address both the surge in dengue and other respiratory infections, especially among children, as patient needs grow rapidly.

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