RAJSHAHI, Apr 2: A total of 2,255 children have died at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) in the last seven months, raising serious concern among health professionals and the public.
Hospital authorities said, 28,427 children were admitted to the paediatric wards between September and March. Among the deceased, more than 500 were newborns who died mostly due to malnutrition and prematurity. Many of these infants died within one to four days of birth.
A significant number of the mothers of these newborns were victims of child marriage, which often leads to malnourished and premature babies, hospital sources said.
As a result, a large number of babies died within one to four days of birth. In addition, pneumonia, measles, and cold-related respiratory complications have spread widely in the Rajshahi region, further contributing to the surge in child deaths.
Hospital records show that in September, 336 children died out of 4,070 admitted; in October, 344 out of 3,901; in November, 343 out of 4,199; in December, 361 out of 3,743; in January, 276 out of 3,735; in February, 291 out of 4,257; and in March, 304 out of 4,522. The highest mortality was reported between February 22 and March 29, when 416 children died in just 36 days-an average of more than 11 deaths per day.
* Hospital records average of 11 child deaths per day in March
* Most deaths among newborns linked to malnutrition and premature birth
* Pneumonia, measles outbreaks drive surge in child mortality
Doctors said over a hundred of these deaths were newborns suffering from malnutrition and prematurity. Many died in the gynaecology ward within days of birth. Another 300 children died in wards 24, 27, and 10. Hospital sources added that critically ill children recommended for ICU care could not be accommodated due to a shortage of beds. More than 100 children reportedly died last month while waiting for ICU admission.
During a visit to RMCH, BNP's Central Health Affairs Secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam blamed vaccine shortages for the measles outbreak. He said complications in vaccine procurement during the previous caretaker government may have contributed to the crisis.
"Those involved in vaccination programmes have also been protesting for over a year. Their movement and the vaccine shortage may have triggered this outbreak," he told reporters. He urged the government to strengthen vaccination efforts, noting that even four-month-old infants are now contracting measles. "Research is needed to understand why outbreaks are occurring before nine months of age," he added.
Dr Rafiqul Islam praised RMCH doctors for their dedication despite limited resources. "They are working day and night, taking on extra responsibilities. There is no reason to panic, but caution is essential. Measles can spread from one patient to 10-15 others. Proper counselling and preventive measures must be ensured," he said.
Meanwhile, Director General of Health Services Prof Dr Prabhat Chandra Biswas is scheduled to visit RMCH today to assess the situation. He will meet hospital authorities, divisional health officials, and the civil surgeon.
RMCH spokesperson Dr Shankar K Biswas confirmed the figures, saying neonatal deaths accounted for the majority. He noted that overcrowding has worsened conditions, with hundreds of children being treated on verandas due to a lack of beds.
One mother, Mim Khatun, said she brought her 18-month-old son suffering from pneumonia last Friday. "There is no space in the ward, so we are staying on the veranda. Doctors are treating him here, and he is slightly better now," she said. Another father, Raihan Ali from Godagari upazila, said he has been waiting for a bed since Friday for his four-month-old son with fever and rashes. "We are crowded on the floor. It is very difficult to get proper treatment in this situation," he said.
RMCH Director Brig Gen PKM Masudul Islam told reporters the hospital has 1,200 beds but operates with manpower for only 550. "We treat 2,500-3,500 patients daily indoors and about 7,000 in the outpatient department. Patients come from Rajshahi and surrounding districts, often in critical condition. Many require ICU support, but we cannot meet demand. Despite these challenges, we are committed to providing maximum service," he said.
Head of the Paediatrics Department Dr Shahida Yasmin said measles has claimed one confirmed child death since January, while 29 suspected cases also died. Of 270 admitted with measles symptoms, 35 tested positive. Most affected children were aged six to nine months, with 60 per cent under six months. She added that child marriage and maternal malnutrition remain major drivers of neonatal deaths.
