Measles treatment challenge
Financial Crisis Keeps Infant from ICU Care
Mother Lamia gently strokes her beloved son’s head. Photo: Mahubar Rahman
Baby Jurais, who came into the world just four months ago, has been struck by measles at an early age. In a hospital bed, a cannula rests in his soft hand, while an oxygen mask covers his face as he struggles to breathe. For the past month, his parents have been rushing from one hospital to another in an effort to save their only son. However, the family is struggling even to afford essential injections recommended by doctors, each costing Tk 17,000.
On Thursday, a heartbreaking scene was seen in the general ward of the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Dhaka. Although doctors have advised shifting Jurais to the intensive care unit (ICU), treatment continues in the general ward due to financial constraints.
His mother, Lamia, is seen gently stroking his head, while his father Saiful, a rickshaw puller by profession, stands beside her. He said they have been moving from one hospital to another for the past month. Their journey began at Patuakhali Sadar Hospital, then continued to Barishal Sadar Hospital, and now Jurais is receiving treatment at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Dhaka. Their lives have remained uncertain throughout this entire period.
Even in government hospitals, the cost of treating a measles-infected child runs into several thousand taka per day. As complications increase, the expenses can exceed several lakh taka. The costs include medicines, diagnostic tests, baby food, a nebulizer machine, and oxygen mask supplies.
Jurais’ father, Saiful, told The Agamir Somoy that after 12 days of treatment at Barishal Sadar Hospital, doctors discharged the child, declaring him recovered. However, his condition did not improve significantly. As his health deteriorated further, they brought him to Dhaka.
He said, “After coming here, doctors advised shifting him to the ICU. But due to financial hardship, we are continuing treatment in the general ward. The doctor prescribed five injections. Each injection costs Tk 17,000. I cannot manage such money to continue my son’s treatment.”
The helpless father has appealed for financial assistance to save his son, Jurais.
