Feni, Aug 31 (V7N) - As floodwaters recede in Feni, the district faces a surge in waterborne diseases, particularly affecting children. The rise in cases of diarrhea, dysentery, stomach pain, fever, and skin infections has overwhelmed medical services.
 
The influx of patients has led to severe overcrowding at local hospitals. At Feni Sadar Hospital, patients are being treated on verandas and stairs due to a shortage of beds. The 250-bed Feni General Hospital's diarrhea ward, with only 18 beds, is currently hosting eight times its capacity. By Saturday, the hospital had reported 297 cases of waterborne diseases, including 114 children and 183 adults.
 
Dr. Asif Iqbal, Resident Medical Officer, noted that the increase in post-flood diarrhea cases is likely due to contaminated water and food. To manage the situation, additional floor beds have been arranged for patients.
 
Flood victim Laila Akhter shared her plight, saying her 11-year-old daughter fell ill after drinking contaminated tank-stored water. Another patient, Kamrun Nahar, has been at the hospital since Thursday with her 2-year-old son, who contracted a waterborne disease despite efforts to boil water.
 
Dr. Arnab Mallik, a Medical Officer at the hospital, stated that while the staff is doing their best, the situation remains challenging due to limited resources.
 
In response, Feni Deputy Commissioner Shahina Akhter announced the establishment of 14 health camps across the district to assist flood victims. Civil Surgeon Dr. Shihab Uddin confirmed that hospitals will provide free treatment to flood-affected individuals and that a special team of 30 doctors has been deployed to support local healthcare efforts.
 
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