Khulna: Khulna City Corporation (KCC) has taken all necessary measures to prevent dengue infection by strengthening mosquito control and cleanliness drives in the city, along with expanding medical services. KCC Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju said this while inaugurating the treatment activities at a separate dengue unit at Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH) here today. He said six free medical camps have been set up at six locations to provide easy access to primary healthcare for low-income families, while free treatment services have also been introduced at the Nagar Swasthya Bhaban (City Health Center). 'We hope that the existing situation can be overcome if collective efforts continue for the next three months as announced by the Prime Minister,' Manju said. He also formally handed over 30 newly purchased hospital beds to the KMCH authorities for the dengue unit.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Manju inspected the dengue treatment facilities at KMCH on September 12 and advised the hospital authorities to convert the existing 200-bed COVID-19 unit into a dedicated dengue unit to facilitate treatment of dengue patients. As the number of beds was inadequate, he assured the hospital authorities that KCC would provide 30 additional beds. Later, an emergency meeting was held at the Nagar Bhaban on September 13 to discuss measures to tackle the dengue situation. The meeting decided to collect donations equivalent to one day's salary from KCC permanent officials and employees to purchase beds for the dengue unit. Accordingly, KCC purchased 30 beds at a cost of Tk 20,000 each, totaling Tk 6 lakh.
KCC Chief Executive Officer Rajib Ahmed, KMCH Superintendent Dr Akhtaruzzaman, KCC Secretary Md Reza Rashid, Chief Revenue Officer Rahima Sultana Bushra, Chief Waste Management Officer Md Anisur Rahman, Chief Health Officer Dr Sharif Shammiul Islam, Chief Planning Officer Abir Ul Jabbar, Executive Engineer Bidyut Kumar Das and other officials were present. Hospital doctors, KCC officials, and local dignitaries also attended the program.