Cold-hit people deserve more philanthropic attention

AS the temperature is plummeting sharply and cold wave sweeping throughout the country, children and elderly people are falling into cold-related illnesses. According to Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), a total of 4,196 patients received treatment for cold-related ailments at different government hospitals countrywide on Saturday. Fifty deaths were reported across the country between November 1 and December 28 due to cold-related diseases. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) in a weather bulletin said a mild to moderate cold wave may continue with a prevalence of moderate to the thick fog that requires more attention to children and elderly people of the low-income generating group.
On Saturday, the minimum temperature was recorded as 7.2 degree Celsius in Dinajpur but the temperature falls on Sunday and the lowest temperature reached at 4.5 degree Celsius on Sunday morning in Panchagarh. Hospital and clinics in the northern districts have become overflowed by cold-affected children and elderly person. Rajshahi, Dinajpur and Rangpur medical college hospitals have formed special teams of doctors to deal with the increased number of patients, set up 30 room heaters and increased supply of medicines for cold-related illnesses. However, lifesaving medical equipment and drugs are too inadequate in private clinics and even in public hospitals. As thick fogs are hampering communication, people are unable to reach hospitals and healthcare centres.
The guardian should take extra care to their kids and elderly person. The government must open 24-hour emergency centre to ensure medical treatment of the cold affected patients in the Upazila heath complexes, Sadar hospitals and medical college hospitals. The availability of life-saving drugs and medical equipment must be ensured. People of all ages in the rural areas and the urban poverty pockets should have warm clothes. The government, businesses, affluent peoples, NGOs, social and educational institutions should come up philanthropically with relief for the cold-distressed people.