Private hospitals instructed to ensure admission of measles patients: 6 emergency directives from the Health Directorate

PNN News Desk | Dhaka

Amid rising complaints that measles and suspected measles patients are being denied admission, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued a 6-point emergency directive for private hospitals. Hospitals have been instructed to take necessary steps immediately to ensure treatment for patients.

According to the directive issued by the Hospital and Clinic Section of the DGHS, signed by Director Dr. Abu Hossain Md. Mainul Ahsan, it has been stated that under no circumstances can measles or suspected measles patients be denied treatment.

Under the new instructions, all private healthcare institutions in the country must prepare separate wards or cabins for measles-infected and suspected patients. It has also been instructed to ensure necessary medical and emergency services before admitting patients.

In addition, private medical college hospitals have been instructed to allocate a portion of free beds reserved for poor patients for measles patients. It has been stated that 10% of total beds are reserved as free beds, and half of those—meaning 5%—must be allocated for measles patients. As an example, it has been said that at least 12 beds must be prepared for this purpose in a 250-bed hospital.

To control infection, it has been allowed that only one attendant or visitor may stay with each admitted patient. Hospitals have also been instructed to upload daily patient information to the EMAIS server.

If necessary, hospitals have been asked to contact the hotline number designated by the DGHS. It has also emphasized coordination with local government health institutions in managing measles patients.

Health experts believe that effective implementation of these directives will make treatment for measles patients easier and will also have a positive impact on controlling infection.