Infant's death at RMCH sparks ICU questions

A 3-month-old child has died at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) with symptoms of measles, while the grieving family alleging that the infant was denied crucial intensive care support at a critical moment.

The child, Kashfi Akhter-the only daughter of Saiful Islam from Rishi Naogaon in Boro Harishpur-had been undergoing treatment at Natore Sadar Hospital for four days before her condition sharply deteriorated.

She was rushed to RMCH on Monday night but died the following morning.

Her maternal uncle Aftab Uddin said the infant's condition worsened despite days of treatment.

"She was sent to Rajshahi when her situation became critical, but she died in the morning without receiving ICU support," he said.

Acting Civil Surgeon Mohammad Kamal Uddin Bhuiyan confirmed that the child had been referred due to the absence of an intensive care unit in Natore Sadar Hospital.

He added that an inquiry is under way to determine whether there was any negligence in her treatment.

The death comes amid a worrying rise in measles infections across Natore.

According to recently retired civil surgeon Muktadir Arefin, at least 38 cases had been reported across the district by Monday, all involving children.

Of them, 14 were admitted to Natore Sadar Hospital-eight have since recovered, while six remain under treatment.

Authorities held an emergency meeting on Tuesday morning at the deputy commissioner's office to step up public awareness and prevention efforts.

Deputy Commissioner Asma Shaheen urged parents to seek immediate medical care if symptoms appear and advised that affected children stay home from school.

She said government hospitals are equipped with necessary treatment facilities and have adequate vaccine stocks.

Health officials have sent samples from 38 suspected cases to Dhaka, with 13 confirmed as measles so far.

"Testing is being conducted in light of the outbreak," Kamal Uddin said, noting that samples are analysed at the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research.    �"bdnews24