No alternative to increasing hospital capacity: Health Minister
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No alternative to increasing hospital capacity: Health Minister

No alternative to increasing hospital capacity: Health Minister
Health Minister Zahid Maleque has said that there is no alternative to increasing the capacities of hospitals to tackle the surge in Covid-19 cases. UNB file photo


Health Minister Zahid Maleque has said that there is no alternative to increasing the capacities of hospitals to tackle the surge in Covid-19 cases.

“There’s no alternative to increasing the number of hospital beds as Covid cases are increasing day by day. That’s why the government is increasing the number of beds at all covid-dedicated hospitals,” he said while inaugurating 10 ICU beds at Dhaka Medical College Hospital at an online event.

He said the number of covid-designated hospitals are also being increased.

Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh records highest-ever daily cases, 59 deaths

Minister Maleque said that a market of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has been turned into a Covid-dedicated hospital with 1,250-bed capacity.

“There are 50 ICU beds and 200 SDO beds,” he said. “It also has 1,000 isolation beds.”

Maleque said the number of covid beds is being increased at government hospitals in the capital.

Also read: Avoid public gatherings, wear masks to fight Covid surge, PM urges all

In this regard, the minister said that 10 more ICU beds have been added to Dhaka Medical College Hospital today.

No alternative to increasing hospital capacity: Health Minister

Bangladesh recorded its highest-ever daily coronavirus cases (6,469) on Thursday. The country registered more than 5,000 cases for the fourth straight day. Official data indicated that there is inadequate ICU and general beds at hospitals treating covid patients.

Also read: Covid-19 Second Wave: Maleque seeks further steps against transmission

Minister Maleque said that hospitals would run out of space if the number of infections keep rising.

He urged everyone to put in concerted efforts to flatten the curve.

Also read: Covid-19 surge lays bare another crisis: Scant ICU beds and specialists

“The situation will become dire if we don’t follow health rules and the 18 directives issued by the Prime Minister, " he said.

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