TBM Report
A devastating outbreak of measles in the capital has left Saifullah Islam, an auto-rickshaw driver, in a state of absolute despair as both of his sons are currently fighting for their lives in two different hospitals. His 18-month-old son, Abdullah, is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali, while his six-year-old son, Alif, is admitted to the DNCC hospital with similar symptoms. Saifullah’s plight highlights a growing public health crisis that is pushing the city’s specialized medical facilities to their breaking point.
Young Abdullah’s condition is particularly critical. After suffering from high fever and severe rashes for ten days, he developed respiratory distress and currently requires continuous oxygen support. Due to the acute shortage of ICU beds, the toddler had to be treated on the hospital floor for a significant period. “The doctors are urging me to move him to a private ICU, but as an auto-rickshaw driver, I simply cannot afford the exorbitant costs,” lamented Saifullah, whose primary focus has been divided between his two ailing children and his financial limitations.
The situation is equally grim for dozens of other families at the Mohakhali Infectious Diseases Hospital. Currently, over 50 children are undergoing treatment, with many forced to occupy floor space due to a lack of available beds. Hospital Superintendent Dr. F.A. Asma Khan reported that over 1,000 children have been admitted with measles-like symptoms recently, resulting in several fatalities. Statistics show a worrying trend: the majority of these critical cases are coming from outside Dhaka, indicating a widespread rural-to-urban influx of the infection.
Medical experts have warned that the situation could worsen significantly over the next month. With the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha holidays, the massive movement of people across the country is expected to accelerate the transmission of the virus. Dr. Khan emphasized that the next 30 days are “critical,” as children frequently moving between districts could lead to a catastrophic spike in cases. For parents like Saifullah and Suma Akter, the wait outside the ICU doors remains a harrowing test of faith and endurance.
 of the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali, while his six-year-old son, Alif, is admitted to the DNCC hospital with similar symptoms. Saifullah’s plight highlights a growing public health crisis that is pushing the city’s specialized medical facilities to their breaking point.){kind=link}