Diarrhoea patients in the 250-bed general hospital of Joypurhat are forced to seek medical attention while seated on floors and corridors. Photo: Messenger
The sudden surge in diarrhoea cases in Joypurhat has overwhelmed the local healthcare infrastructure, particularly at the 250-bed general hospital. With new patients flooding in daily, the hospital is grappling with a shortage of space, forcing individuals to seek medical attention while seated on floors and corridors, unable to secure beds in the overflowing diarrhoea ward.
The situation has escalated to the extent that the hospital premises are teeming with patients and their relatives, leaving no room to maneuver. Doctors attribute this alarming spike in diarrhoea cases to a combination of factors including the dry season, consumption of unhealthy food, and potential contamination of the municipal water supply.
Over the past five days alone, Joypurhat General Hospital has admitted approximately 200 patients, with a staggering 134 cases reported on a single Tuesday. On average, the hospital has been receiving 45 to 50 new diarrhoea patients daily, underscoring the severity of the situation. Moreover, the influx of patients extends beyond the general hospital, with upazila hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, and consultation facilities also inundated with diarrhoea cases, predominantly affecting children and the elderly.
Hospital sources reveal that the prevalence of diarrhoea has been escalating over the past week, with the Modern District Hospital also witnessing a surge in admissions, particularly among children. Despite efforts to accommodate patients, overcrowding persists, with individuals resorting to makeshift arrangements on floors and balconies to receive treatment.
The symptoms presented by patients include high fever, body aches, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, indicating the severity of their condition. Testimonies from affected individuals highlight the widespread nature of the outbreak, with reports of entire communities grappling with diarrhoeal illnesses.
Arza, a four-year-old child from Arafat Nagar Mohalla, recounts the plight of her community members, including Murchalin from Shimultali village, who has been battling diarrhoea for five consecutive days. Similarly, Zakir Hesen from Hanail village narrates his wife's ordeal, emphasizing the rapid onset of symptoms following iftar, suggesting a potential link to the municipal water supply.
Dr. Rashed Mubarak, supervisor at Joypurhat 250-bed general hospital, echoes concerns regarding the escalating diarrhoea cases, attributing it to environmental factors such as the dry season and potential contamination of water sources due to ongoing road works. He emphasizes that the current incidence surpasses previous years' levels, with approximately 200 patients treated within a week, indicating a worrying trend of increasing diarrhoeal illnesses in the region.
Efforts to mitigate the outbreak include medical treatment for affected individuals, coupled with public health initiatives to address the underlying causes such as water quality and sanitation. However, urgent measures are needed to alleviate the strain on healthcare facilities and prevent further escalation of the crisis, underscoring the importance of proactive intervention and community awareness in combating diarrhoeal diseases effectively.
Amidst the rising tide of diarrhoeal cases, concerns over public health and sanitation loom large. Community engagement and hygiene promotion campaigns become imperative to stem the spread of the disease. Collaborative efforts between healthcare authorities, local governments, and residents are essential to address the root causes and ensure effective management of the outbreak.
Messenger/Faria
