Dengue cases are surging across Bangladesh including in Dhaka also putting growing pressure on hospitals nationwide. At Mugda Medical College Hospital on Wednesday a rising influx of patients left many being treated on the floor due to bed shortages.
Bangladesh recorded its highest single-day dengue death toll this year on Tuesday, with nine deaths in 24 hours also pushing the nationwide toll to 130 since January 1, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Speaking at a seminar organized by Anchal Foundation and Human Rights Development Centre in Dhaka, State Minister for Health Dr. M.A. Muhith said dengue cases have been climbing since Tuesday and are expected to peak in the last week of September and early October.
He announced a three-month public awareness campaign involving voluntary organizations and citizens to destroy Aedes mosquito breeding grounds with coordinated efforts from city corporations, local government and the health ministry.
Muhith said the government's twin goals are reducing both dengue cases and deaths. About 3,000 doctors have received refresher training on dengue management with further training planned at district and upazila levels nationwide.
He added that hospitals have stocked sufficient test kits and saline in advance with additional beds prepared for dengue patients. If cases rise further the more beds will be reallocated for treatment.
The state minister also urged private hospitals to actively support dengue treatment without unreasonably raising costs while ensuring designated dengue beds remain available for patients as the outbreak intensifies in the coming weeks.
