Amid a surge in measles cases, Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) Administrator Md Mahfuzur Rahman Riton visited Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) on Saturday to assess treatment facilities and overall preparedness.
He announced plans to expand ICU bed capacity and strengthen pediatric care to improve treatment for affected children.
During the visit, the administrator inspected the ICU, pediatric wards, and other key departments, evaluating both measles treatment and general healthcare services.
Afterward, he briefed journalists on measures being taken to enhance hospital capacity.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government is closely monitoring the healthcare system. We hope ICU bed capacity at RMCH and other pediatric facilities will be expanded soon,” Mahfuzur Rahman Riton said.
He added that although the hospital is currently facing an ICU bed shortage, steps to increase capacity are already underway.
Commenting on the outbreak, he said, “Compared to other parts of the country, measles incidence in Rajshahi city is relatively low due to awareness and precautionary measures. With collective effort, the outbreak can be controlled.”
The RCC has launched a city-wide immunization campaign under the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), focusing on wards with higher measles incidence. Public awareness initiatives, including leaflet distribution in 30 wards since Friday, are ongoing to educate citizens about preventive measures.
Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam, RMCH Director Brigadier General PKM Masudul Islam, RCC Chief Executive Officer Md Rezaul Karim, Chief Health Officer Dr FAM Anjuman Ara Begum, hospital doctors, and other officials accompanied the administrator during the visit.
Meanwhile, RMCH reported three more deaths of children with measles-like symptoms within 24 hours until Saturday noon, raising the hospital’s total suspected measles-related deaths this year to 38.
RMCH spokesperson Dr Shankar Kumar Biswas said 25 new patients were admitted during the same period, while three were discharged. Currently, 149 patients are receiving treatment, with a total of 377 suspected measles cases admitted so far this year.
Hospital authorities warned that the rising patient numbers are placing increasing strain on pediatric wards, though the situation remains under close monitoring.
