The government has directed private hospitals across the country to provide free treatment to dengue patients in at least 10 percent of their beds, said Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain on Tuesday.
“Under the new directive, private hospitals will reserve 10 percent of their beds for dengue patients and waive doctors' consultation fees for those receiving treatment. Patients will only have to bear the costs of medicines and meals,” the minister told reporters after a meeting on dengue prevention and preparedness.
Besides, private hospitals have been asked to offer discounts of up to 80 percent on diagnostic tests for dengue patients, he said.
Meanwhile, all private hospitals must submit detailed information to the Health Ministry within the next three days including the number of beds allocated for dengue patients, the stock of saline and other essential fluids, and their future procurement plans.
Regarding dengue vaccination, the minister said although dengue vaccines are being used in some countries they have not yet gained universal acceptance.
"Bangladesh will not launch a dengue vaccination programme immediately without consulting international organisations and experts," he said, adding that discussions will be held with the World Health Organization and UNICEF and other relevant bodies before any decision is taken in this reagard.
The minister also sought cooperation from the media and private hospitals in raising public awareness about dengue prevention.
He also urged television channels to broadcast dengue awareness messages during programme breaks and asked city corporations to intensify drives to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds in abandoned toilets and other places where water accumulates.
Punitive measures, including mobile court actions, would be taken against individuals who fail to maintain cleanliness and allow mosquito breeding, he warned.
"Dengue prevention is not the responsibility of the government alone, it is a collective responsibility. Like Covid-19 pandemic, everyone must work together to tackle the challenge,” said the minister.
Besides, coordinated efforts involving doctors, nurses, hospital owners, media outlets and local administrations would be crucial to keeping the dengue situation under control, he added.
The minister also said the government would directly contact patients to monitor whether hospitals are providing the announced facilities and services.
A nationwide awareness campaign will be held and rallies would be held simultaneously at 10 am on Saturday in Dhaka North City Corporation, Dhaka South City Corporation, all divisional headquarters and district towns, he said.
The campaign, which will continue for three months, will include public announcements, media advertisements, community meetings and courtyard gatherings aimed at mobilising public participation in dengue prevention, he added.
Bangladesh on Monday recorded a sharp rise in dengue infections, with one more death and 110 new patients admitted to hospitals across the country in the last 24 hours.