A severe heatwave has triggered a sharp rise in diarrhoea and other heat-related illnesses in Rajbari, overwhelming the District Sadar Hospital and forcing patients to receive treatment on floors and in corridors.
The 100-bed hospital is currently treating 292 patients, far exceeding its capacity. Of them, 44 are admitted to the diarrhoea ward alone. Despite 14 patients being discharged between Monday and Tuesday, new admissions continue to surge, leaving no space for incoming cases.
Patients were seen lying on verandas across multiple floors and even on the ground, as the hospital struggles to cope with the pressure.
The situation is also worsening in the children’s ward, where cases of pneumonia, fever, cold and cough are rising. At least 11 measles patients are also undergoing treatment, alongside several other children with respiratory and seasonal illnesses.
Doctors said extreme heat and sudden weather shifts are affecting public health, with a spike in waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea, typhoid, cholera and jaundice.
They stressed that drinking safe water is critical to preventing infection.
Hospital authorities said they are trying to manage the situation with limited beds and staff, but warned that patient numbers could rise further if the heat persists.
The heat has also made conditions difficult for labourers and outdoor workers, many of whom are struggling to cope with the scorching weather.
Doctors advised people to avoid going outside unless necessary and to drink plenty of clean water and fluids. They also urged parents to keep children dry and cool to prevent illness.
Patients and their families described severe hardship at the hospital.
From Mijanpur in Sadar Upazila, Karim Sheikh, father of a child suffering from diarrhoea, said his son has been ill for two days.
“There are no beds available. I had to lay him on a sheet on the veranda floor. Even with a fan, there is no air, and he is suffering in the heat,” he said.
Safia Begum, whose mother is admitted, said the pressure on staff is visible.
“Doctors are trying their best, but there are too many patients. It is hard to get a nurse on time. In this heat, even healthy people could fall sick,” she said.
Rashed Islam, who brought his grandfather to the hospital, said dehydration from working in the heat caused the illness.
“He is on saline now, but the environment is extremely hot. We are even thinking of bringing a fan from outside,” he said.
From Pangsha, Amena Khatun said she had taken shelter beside a staircase due to lack of space.
“There is no place inside the ward. Many of us are staying here. It is very difficult to remain in the heat, but we cannot return home as treatment is not possible there,” she said.
Rajbari District Sadar Hospital Superintendent Dr Sheikh Md Abdul Hannan said the situation is alarming.
“Waterborne diseases, especially diarrhoea, have increased sharply due to the heatwave. Patients are also suffering from pneumonia, cold and fever,” he said.
“With patient numbers several times higher than capacity, doctors and nurses are under immense pressure. Despite limitations, we are trying to ensure medicines and saline supplies,” he added.
He urged people to avoid stale or spoiled food and to consume freshly prepared meals.
Food cooked more than six hours earlier should be avoided, he said, adding that people should stay indoors during peak heat, avoid roadside food and drinks, and drink plenty of safe water.
He also advised immediate intake of oral saline at the onset of diarrhoea and urged patients to seek hospital care promptly if symptoms worsen.
