Winter has tightened its grip on Sunamganj, and cold-related illnesses are rising with it. The number of patients with pneumonia, fever, cough and breathing difficulty has increased at the Sunamganj 250-bed Sadar Hospital. With patients in the children's ward numbering twice the allotted beds, doctors and nurses are struggling to cope. According to the hospital, its children's ward has 56 beds but more than 100 patients are being admitted every day.

Rajib Ahmed, who brought his son to the hospital, told Jago News: "Last night my son's (4) breathing difficulty suddenly got worse. He also had a high fever, so we came to the hospital. We could not get a bed, so he is being treated on the floor."

Amena Begum, a relative of a patient, said: "I have been in hospital with my daughter for two days. The doctor said she has pneumonia. It is not just my daughter; every day I see people with cold-related illness being admitted." Local resident Abbas Mia said angrily: "The number of child patients rises in the cold season. Every year there are too few beds, so people are treated on the floor. Those responsible should take steps."

Md Monir Hossain, senior staff nurse at Sunamganj Sadar Hospital, said: "As the cold has intensified, the number of patients in the children's ward has grown. The ward has 56 beds. On Wednesday 124 patients were admitted. We have made space on the floor with sheets and mattresses."

The hospital's superintendent, Dr Md Mahbubur Rahman, said: "Most houses in the haor region are made of tin. With cold winds blowing this season, children are falling ill with cold-related diseases more often. But with a shortage of doctors and not enough nurses, we are struggling to provide care."

He advised parents to be careful so that children do not catch colds and fevers.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.