As floodwaters recede in Feni, waterborne diseases have surged, affecting many, particularly children, with diarrhea, dysentery, stomach pain, fever, and skin infections.

The sudden rise in patient numbers has overwhelmed medical services, leading to a shortage of hospital beds. At Feni Sadar Hospital, patients were seen lying on verandas and even stairs due to overcrowding.

To combat the situation, 14 health camps have been established across the district to provide medical assistance to flood victims, said Feni Deputy Commissioner Shahina Akhter.

A visit to the 250-bed Feni General Hospital on Saturday at 2 pm revealed the diarrhea ward, which has only 18 beds, was hosting eight times its capacity. As of Saturday, the hospital reported 297 cases of waterborne diseases, including 114 children and 183 adults.

Dr Asif Iqbal, the hospital’s Resident Medical Officer, said, “Post-flood diarrhea cases are on the rise, especially among children, likely due to contaminated water and food. We have arranged additional floor beds for these patients.”

Laila Akhter, from Matiganj Upazila, brought her 11-year-old daughter to the hospital after she fell ill from drinking tank-stored water following the flood. “Water entered our home, and we had to seek shelter at a neighbor's house. Unfortunately, my daughter started vomiting and experiencing diarrhea afterward,” she shared.

Kamrun Nahar, who has been at the hospital since Thursday with her 2-year-old son, said her child contracted a waterborne disease despite her efforts to boil water before use.

Dr Arnab Mallik, a Medical Officer at the hospital, added, “We are doing our best to accommodate all patients, even with limited resources. However, the situation is overwhelming for both doctors and nurses.”

Civil Surgeon Dr Shihab Uddin assured that hospitals will provide free treatment to flood victims until further notice. Additionally, a special team of 30 doctors has been dispatched to Feni to support local healthcare efforts.