Pneumonia cases spike in Ctg

Staff Reporter:

Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) is grappling with a sharp rise in child pneumonia cases, with patient numbers nearly doubling over the past two weeks. The Department of Paediatrics is currently treating nearly three times its approved bed capacity.

The hospital has 130 government-sanctioned beds for children, yet averages of around 400 young patients are admitted daily. About 100 new patients arrive each day, and at least 60 are diagnosed with pneumonia, according to department data
The heavy patient load has put immense pressure on doctors.

Due to the acute shortage of beds, three to four children are often treated on a single bed, and in some cases, multiple patients share the same oxygen line.

Dr Mohammad Musa, head of the paediatrics department, said, “Our wards are seeing a significant surge in pneumonia cases. We cannot turn away any child, so multiple patients are accommodated per bed. Despite limited resources, we are doing our best to provide care.”
Medical staff noted that ideally, each child should receive oxygen through a separate line, but the current influx makes this impossible, complicating proper oxygen management.

Pneumonia remains a leading cause of death among children under five. Factors such as low birth weight, premature birth, and vitamin A deficiency increase vulnerability.

Doctors stress that proper maternal nutrition during pregnancy, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, maintaining a smoke-free home, and regular handwashing can significantly reduce pneumonia risk.

Health experts also recommend keeping children in well-ventilated spaces, ensuring all vaccines in the national immunisation programme are administered, and providing influenza vaccines for children prone to frequent colds and coughs.

The situation at CMCH highlights the urgent need for expanded facilities and resources to handle the growing burden of pediatric pneumonia in the region.