Khulna Medical College Hospital struggles with nearly four times its capacity
Dengue patients treated in corridors as 500-bed hospital nears 2,000 patients
Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH) is grappling with a severe overcrowding crisis, with nearly four times the number of admitted patients compared to its official capacity of 500 beds. On September 26, the hospital reported 1,933 admitted patients, a figure that has remained consistently high over the past week. Patients are forced to sleep in cramped corners outside wards, on staircases, and in verandas, as available space is severely limited.
This overcrowding is particularly acute in the dengue wards, where only 32 beds are designated for 244 dengue patients. The lack of space poses a significant risk for dengue patients and those around them, as many patients are forced to share mosquito nets and are exposed to mosquitoes that can transmit the disease. The hospital, established in 1989, has struggled to keep up with the increasing demand for medical services, with an average of 1,800 to 1,900 patients admitted in August and September.
Dr. Sujat Ahmed, the assistant director of KMCH, acknowledges the challenging conditions, stating that doctors often cannot move between wards due to the sheer number of patients occupying verandas. Despite the limitations, hospital staff continue to provide services around the clock, with some physicians even being attached from other institutions to help meet the demand.
The hospital serves patients from all 10 districts of Khulna division and neighboring areas, reflecting the high level of trust in its services. However, addressing the shortage of doctors, equipment, and other facilities could significantly improve the quality of treatment for the numerous patients seeking care.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Star BD Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
