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Editorial

Inadequate ICU beds a serious concern

Expand intensive care facilities across the country in no time


Bangladeshpost
Published : 11 Apr 2021 09:09 PM | Updated : 12 Apr 2021 12:47 AM

Bangladesh has been experiencing a widespread transmission of Covid-19 for the last several weeks. With the number of infections and deaths from Covid-19 getting higher, inadequacy of ICU beds at public hospitals has become a grave concern.

Reportedly, there are 2,555 Covid-19 general and 128 ICU beds in government hospitals in Dhaka. There are 772 general and 180 ICU beds in private hospitals.  The number of beds gets even lower if we count dedicated ICU beds that are actually equipped with ventilation facilities for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. However, the government has decided to double the number of Intensive Care Unit beds in Dhaka to accommodate the increasing number of Covid-19 patients.

The government should take

 immediate measures to increase

intensive care facilities across the country

The ability of our healthcare system to absorb a shock what experts call surge capacityis much weaker than what many believe. It needs no mentioning that we do not have enough ventilators and ICU beds to treat the soaring number of coronavirus patients.

Experts opine that inadequate intensive care facilities across the country remain a major concern in treating COVID-19 patients with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.  If they get infected, a large portion of them will need intensive care and ventilation.

There is a huge gap between demand and supply in terms of intensive care facilities. ICU management in the country is poor.  ICUs in private hospitals are not up to the mark for a lack of necessary equipment and skilled manpower.

Taking all into consideration, the government should integrate immediate measures to increase intensive care facilities across the countryand set up specialised hospitals with adequate ICU beds to treat coronavirus patients.