Chittagong Medical College and Hospital
Some Exit Hospital With a Jubilant Mood While Others Weep in Grief
Photo: Agamir Somoy
The measles ward of Chittagong Medical College (CMC) Hospital is a scene of contrasting emotions. Upon entering, in the very first bed, Chenowara Begum from the Bartakia area of Mirsarai sits with her one-year-old grandson, Fahim, on her lap. A saline cannula has been inserted to his hand. Chenowara cannot even clearly remember when they arrived at the hospital. "It’s been almost a month here. The grandson has rashes and a fever. He hasn't recovered yet," she says.
On the other side of the same bed, two-year-old Ariana from Noakhali has been staying for about a week. Her mother, Jhorna Akhtar, continues to care for her. Anxiety and concern are etched across their faces.
In this manner, two to three children are being treated on every single bed in the ward. The number of patients with measles symptoms is increasing daily. As the pediatric department could no longer accommodate the surge, this dedicated measles ward was recently established on the ground floor of the hospital. Patients from Chittagong city, various upazilas, and surrounding districts are thronging.
Overcrowded Wards and Rising Cases
As of 8:00 AM on Wednesday, 118 patients with measles symptoms were undergoing treatment at CMC and Hospital within the previous 24 hours. Two deaths were reported during this period, and 27 new patients—all children—were admitted. Beyond the dedicated measles ward, patients are also receiving treatment in the general pediatric department and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
Professor Dr. Musa Mia, Head of the Pediatric Department at CMC Hospital, told Agamir Somoy that the new ward was launched specifically to provide isolated treatment for patients with measles symptoms. He noted that while there are patients in the pediatric ward and PICU, they cannot officially confirm cases as "measles" without specific laboratory testing, though many present with both measles and pneumonia symptoms.
The Grief of Loss
On Tuesday afternoon, an 11-month-old child named Niladri, who came from Harbang in Cox's Bazar, passed away in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). At the same time, another eight-month-old child named Fabiha from Cox's Bazar also died. Both children had been admitted with measles symptoms.
As he prepared to return home with his daughter’s body, Fabiha’s father, Saddam Hossain, expressed his helplessness through tears. "I couldn't save my daughter despite spending so much money. Now, I am taking her (body) back."
A Glimmer of Hope
While over a hundred parents live through sleepless nights and constant worry, waiting for their children to recover, many are returning home after a long struggle. For them, the moment of departure is filled with the joy of liberation.
After a two-week battle, Hossein Ahmad hailing from Patiya wore a victorious smile as he prepared to take his one-year-old granddaughter, Meherin, home. "My granddaughter is healthy now. I thank the doctors and nurses. May Allah grant everyone undergoing treatment the strength to return home healthy," he said.
