Stray dogs infest Sharankhola
Bagerhat Correspondent :
The nuisance caused by stray dogs in Sharankhola has created widespread panic among local residents. In the past four days, more than 25 people have been injured in dog attacks, with two of them hospitalised in serious condition. Most of the victims are children.
The Upazila Health Complex currently has no anti-rabies vaccines in stock. Among those bitten by dogs in different villages of the Upazila on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are: Lamia Begum (60), Ruhul Amin (55), Amjad Hossain (60), Bellal Hossain (21), Ahona (8), Abu Said (8), Khadija (6), Sifat (12), Tauhid Hasan (8), Jisan (3), Mehedi (15), Ifad (8), Rafi (14) and Arifa (5). Many of them have received only primary treatment from the hospital.
According to hospital sources, the Upazila Health Complex has had no supply of rabies vaccines for almost a year.
Many of the injured, unable to receive the vaccine locally, are travelling to Khulna Medical College or Bagerhat Sadar Hospital for advanced treatment after initial care. Others are being forced to purchase vaccines at high prices from the market.
Nazrul Islam Akon, a teacher at Tafalbari School and College, said that the problem of stray dogs has become severe both in the Upazila headquarters and surrounding villages.
“Whenever children go out alone, packs of dogs attack them. Even the elderly are not spared. Parents are extremely worried about their children.
As the hospital has had no rabies vaccines for a year, victims are unable to get proper treatment.
We demand that vaccines be supplied quickly and effective measures be taken to control stray dogs,” he added.
Bishwjit Majumdar, a physician at the emergency department of Sharankhola Upazila Health Complex, reported that 10-12 people are coming to the hospital every day after being bitten by dogs, with children being the worst affected.
The most serious cases are admitted and treated.
Dr Priya Gopal Biswas, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, Sharankhola, said: “We have requested the Civil Surgeon’s Office in Bagerhat for anti-rabies vaccines but have not received any supply so far.
Until the vaccines arrive, the most severely affected patients are being referred to Bagerhat Sadar Hospital.”