Dhaka: Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) has nearly completed construction of a 20-bed tent-based field hospital on its premises amid huge onrush of particularly measles inflicted children requiring immediate admission, officials said today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the field hospital is being established to ensure that no patient is denied treatment due to lack of beds during disease outbreaks. Health Minister Sardar Mohammad Sakhawat Husain highlighted the importance of the initiative during his visit to Dhaka’s main state-run medical facility. He mentioned that the makeshift hospital is almost ready and could also serve patients in future outbreaks of diseases such as dengue or cholera.
Brigadier General Mohammad Asaduzzaman, director of DMCH, assured that the main hospital would provide the necessary number of doctors, nurses, ward boys, and all essential medicines to treat patients at the temporary facility. The Bangladesh Army and the Public Works Department have supported DMCH in constructing the makeshift hospital in the open spaces of the complex, ensuring proper drainage, power supply, and air conditioning systems.
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) is overseeing the construction of the makeshift facility. Dr. Syed Abu Ahammad Shafi, DGHS deputy director for hospital management, noted that while measles cases are currently on the rise, there could be an outbreak of diseases like dengue during the upcoming monsoon. He emphasized that the tent hospital, equipped with necessary facilities, is essential as the main DMCH building lacks adequate space to accommodate the influx of patients with such diseases. Shafi added that the field hospital would be operated under DMCH supervision.