Barguna is facing a severe surge in cholera, diarrhoea and dengue infections, with over 600 patients admitted to the 250‑bed general hospital.
Patients have reported shortages of medicines and other essential supplies, though doctors say they are striving to provide the highest level of care despite the crisis.
According to official figures, 708 children have been admitted with cholera and related symptoms since 1 April this year, seven of whom have died.
Since 1 January, a total of 5,274 patients with diarrhoea have been hospitalised.
Meanwhile, 134 patients have been admitted with dengue.
On Sunday morning, a visit to the cholera unit at Barguna 250‑bed General Hospital found 25 children currently admitted with cholera and related symptoms.
In Baliyatoli, a suburb of Barguna Sadar, four‑year‑old Rayan Islam was admitted last Tuesday with fever and signs of cholera.
His mother, Mahmuda Jannat Mitu, said that when symptoms first appeared on Sunday morning, they initially tried home treatment. As his condition worsened, they brought him to the hospital, where paediatric specialist Mehedi Parvez recommended admission to the cholera unit.
Three‑year‑old Afsana Mimi from Nayakata in the town was admitted with cholera symptoms. Her mother, Sadia Jahan, said the child had been hospitalised two days ago with a fever reaching 103–104°F and an inability to eat.
She said the hospital provides only paracetamol and no other medicines and so, parents have to buy medicines from outside pharmacies.
Parents of other children admitted with cholera, including Anika, Tahmid, Ayon, Sara and Ayat, said paediatric specialists are often unavailable.
Children are frequently seen by general medicine doctors in the emergency department, and all medicines must be purchased externally.
They claim that treatment at the hospital is minimal, and those who can afford it seek private clinics or travel to Barisal or Dhaka for care.
On the fourth floor, in the paediatric ward, many children with fever are being treated on mattresses on the floor. Patients and their relatives often disregard hygiene protocols.
Shaon Ahmed’s son, Siam Ahmed, from College Road, has been admitted due to fever and general weakness.
Shaon Ahmed said that despite taking precautions after Barguna Sadar was declared a cholera hotspot, his son still fell ill.
Children admitted with cholera symptoms are initially placed in the paediatric ward for sample collection before being transferred to the cholera unit once tests confirm infection. He added that neither guardians nor children comply with hygiene measures, causing further concern.
In the diarrhoea ward, women, children and elderly patients are often housed in the same room, with many receiving treatment on the floor.
Mohammad Shahin from Lakurtala was admitted with diarrhoea. He said the hospital provides only saline and no other medicines, and regular consultations with doctors are unavailable.
In the dengue ward, Al Imran from Bank Colony, admitted on Saturday night, said he plans to leave early due to the shortage of beds, medicines and doctors, intending to seek treatment in a private clinic.
Hospital superintendent Dr Rezoyanur Alam said that the number of children admitted with cholera and suspected cholera is rising daily. Some medicines are in short supply, but the staff are striving to provide maximum care for the children.
Asked about the logic of admitting children with cholera symptoms to the paediatric ward and the lack of hygiene compliance, he explained that the shortage of beds necessitates this arrangement.
He added that the hospital is managing the triple outbreak of cholera, diarrhoea and dengue. He emphasised the importance of hygiene compliance.
Barguna Civil Surgeon Dr Abul Fattah said the health administration is conducting awareness programmes in schools, distributing leaflets and banners, and running daily cholera vaccination drives across the district.
He urged the public to remain vigilant against diarrhoea and dengue, noting that the outbreak is expected to be brought under control soon.
