‘Treated on floor, verandah’: Dhaka hospitals struggle as dengue wards overflow
Dhaka hospitals are facing a severe crisis as a surge in dengue cases leads to extreme overcrowding, forcing patients to be treated on floors and verandas. While no new deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, the total death toll for September has reached 79.
Why it matters
The rapid spread of dengue fever in urban centers poses a significant public health challenge and highlights infrastructure limitations in healthcare systems.
A sharp rise in dengue cases is putting hospitals in Dhaka under severe pressure. Over 747 new patients were admitted across Bangladesh in the 24 hours to 8am on Friday. The surge prompted some hospitals to treat patients on floors and verandas after beds filled up.According to a report by Dhaka Tribune, at Mugda General Hospital in Dhaka, 145 dengue patients were receiving treatment in a ward with a capacity of just 38 beds on Thursday. Doctors and nurses said the overcrowding was making it harder to monitor patients, administer medicines and provide emergency care.The directorate general of health services (DGHS) said no dengue deaths were reported during the latest 24-hour period. However, 79 dengue deaths have been recorded in the first 18 days of September alone.Since January 1, 59,147 people have been hospitalised with dengue across Bangladesh, with 176 deaths reported.
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