At the Infectious Disease Hospital in Mohakhali, Dhaka, patients suffering from measles, pneumonia, chickenpox, and other contagious illnesses are being treated in the same wards, creating serious health risks. A field visit on Wednesday revealed that many patients, including children, are receiving treatment on floors and balconies due to a severe shortage of beds. The hospital, which has 100 beds with only 15 allocated for measles patients, currently accommodates 51 children with confirmed measles. Since January, 1,598 suspected measles cases have been admitted, with 286 confirmed and 36 child deaths reported.

Doctors and nurses said the hospital is admitting twice its capacity daily, forcing mixed treatment of patients with different infectious diseases. The unhygienic environment, including unclean toilets, scattered waste, and mosquito infestations, is worsening the situation. A doctor noted that without a separate measles unit, infection control is nearly impossible. Hospital authorities acknowledged the overcrowding and poor sanitation, citing surrounding slum areas as a challenge.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services, 56 confirmed measles deaths and 268 deaths with measles symptoms have occurred nationwide since March 15, bringing the total to 324 in 52 days.