Despite repeated assurances on vaccination drives and preventive measures, child deaths linked to measles continue to rise, exposing deep strain in the healthcare system. Patients with measles and measles-like symptoms are also being forced to move from one hospital to another due to a severe shortage of beds.
On Monday, the country recorded its deadliest day in the current outbreak, with 17 child deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The total death toll has now exceeded 300, raising alarm over the rapid spread of the disease and mounting pressure on hospitals.
Public health experts attribute the crisis to structural weaknesses. Dr Zakia Khanam Ferdousi said the healthcare system remains overly centralised, with inadequate primary facilities at union and village levels. As a result, even mild cases are crowding major hospitals in Dhaka, overwhelming services. She also pointed to worsening economic conditions since the COVID-19 pandemic, which have led to malnutrition and weakened immunity among children.
Although the Directorate General of Health Services earlier instructed hospitals not to turn away measles patients and to increase bed capacity, the situation on the ground remains critical.
Eight-month-old Alif was seen outside the emergency department of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital, receiving oxygen in his grandfather's arms after being denied admission due to a lack of beds. His parents said they had travelled from Barishal but failed to secure treatment at multiple hospitals and could not afford private care.
In another case, four-year-old Ruman was referred between facilities before finally reaching Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where his admission remained uncertain hours later.
According to official data, most recent deaths were linked to measles-like symptoms, with the majority reported in Dhaka division. Thousands of children have been hospitalised, with confirmed and suspected cases rising sharply in recent weeks.
