Separate wards, cabins must for measles patients: DGHS

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has directed all government healthcare institutions across the country to designate separate wards or cabins for the treatment of measles and suspected measles patients.

The authorities concerned at the hospitals have also been instructed to ensure admission and treatment of measles patients, according to a notification issued today by the Hospital and Clinics Wing of the DGHS. 

According to the directive, adequate numbers of physicians and healthcare workers must be ensured in measles isolation wards. Specialist physicians have also been instructed to conduct rounds every morning and afternoon, including on holidays.

It said that a maximum of one guardian or visitor would be allowed to stay with each admitted patient.

The DGHS said all information related to measles and suspected measles patients must be uploaded regularly to the MIS server. 

The directive asked authorities to use the address http://surveillance.dghs.gov.bd for submitting relevant information. If necessary, they were instructed to contact the number 01759114488.

The directive will apply to all medical college hospitals, specialised hospitals, district headquarters and general hospitals, and upazila health complexes across the country.

The DGHS said the directive had been issued to make the treatment management of measles patients at government healthcare institutions more effective and coordinated.