Influx of patients forces many to seek treatment on DMCH floor

The constant influx of patients seeking medical care at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) results in many people seeking treatment as almost all beds are filled every day due to heavy demand.

Many sick patients remain on the floor at DMCH, waiting for treatment due to the presence of specialist doctors and the relatively lower cost of medical care.

Badsha Mia came from Meherpur district, was injured in a road accident and was admitted to the hospital on the night of October 28. When a BSS reporter visited the hospital on November 1, he was not given a hospital bed.

45-year-old Badsha was seen receiving treatment on the ground because one of her legs was broken in a traffic accident.

His wife, Noor Jahan, said that despite all efforts, her husband could not get a bed in the hospital.

“We are very poor and we cannot go to a private hospital for treatment. So, her husband was taken to the hospital for the necessary treatment,” she said.

Abdur Rashid from Gaibandha was admitted to DMCH three days ago. He suffered a head injury in a traffic accident. He was also seen receiving treatment on the hospital floor.

Suruj Mia from Comilla came to the hospital after suffering a stroke three days ago. He was not even given a bed and was treated on the hospital floor.

His wife Renujan said, “Her 60-year-old husband was hospitalized due to cerebral palsy. Doctors are giving the necessary treatment to her husband, but the authorities have not been able to provide a bed for him so far.”

Many patients like Badsha Mia and Abdur Rashid are receiving treatment on the hospital floor.

DMCH is touted as one of the largest hospitals in the country with 2600 beds. However, sources said that with more than 500 admissions per day, 1,300 emergency visits and 5,000 patients in the OPD leaving the hospital with serious difficulties to get treatment.
They added that the extraordinary pressure from patients often forced authorities to recommend treatment, leaving many on the floor.