Health services buckle under dual disease threat
Reza Mahmud :
Bangladesh’s healthcare system is facing mounting pressure as a sudden surge in both Covid-19 and dengue cases sweeps across the country, prompting concern from public health experts over the government’s preparedness.
Health specialists have voiced alarm, saying the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) appears inadequately equipped to address the dual threat. In response to the rising number of Covid-19 infections – both domestically and in neighbouring countries – authorities are planning to expand testing facilities at major hospitals in cities and districts nationwide.
However, the resurgence of dengue fever, which began with the onset of the monsoon season, has further stretched resources in hospitals, particularly in outlying districts.
Speaking to The New Nation, Professor Dr. M. Muzaherul Huq, former adviser to the World Health Organization (WHO), said, “Hospitals, especially at the district level, are not sufficiently equipped or prepared to handle a sudden influx of patients.”
He emphasised the need for an effective referral system to bring discipline to the health sector and reduce risks. “The government must launch extensive awareness campaigns and engage the private sector in its response efforts,” he added.
Professor Dr Be-Nazir Ahmed echoed these concerns, saying, “The DGHS has suspended its entire operational plan (OP), including training programmes for physicians, which significantly heightens the risk at a time when both Covid and dengue cases are on the rise.”
He noted that the suspension, attributed to a lack of funding, has left new DGHS leadership-including the Director General and departmental directors-struggling to respond to the evolving crisis. “Doctors at the district level lack experience and have no access to training, which is deeply concerning given the current situation,” he said.
According to health ministry sources, the government is taking steps to expand Covid-19 testing nationwide. At present, only a limited number of public hospitals are conducting tests. The decision to scale up testing follows a significant rise in infection rates last month – marking the highest levels in 29 months – and the country’s first reported Covid-related death in many months, which occurred on 5 June.
In the wake of a newly detected Covid-19 sub-variant, health experts have urged the public to remain calm but vigilant, encouraging preventive measures over panic.
The DGHS has since issued an 11-point guideline on 11 June to help curb transmission, which includes avoiding public gatherings and the use of face masks. This followed three recent Covid-related deaths – two in Dhaka (on 5 and 13 June) and another in Chattogram.
Despite health experts stating that the current sub-variants do not yet pose a serious threat, new cases continue to emerge. On Tuesday, two women tested positive at two government hospitals in the capital. Earlier that day, the DGHS reported 25 new Covid-19 cases nationwide over a 24-hour period, with a positivity rate of 10.82 percent from 231 tests. One death was also recorded, bringing this year’s Covid death toll to five.
As of Tuesday, two additional Covid-related deaths and 18 new infections were confirmed. A total of 312 samples were tested over 24 hours, with a positivity rate of 5.77 percent.