Don't refer dengue patients to Dhaka: DGHS tells health officials

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has instructed all health officials across the country not to refer dengue patients to hospitals in Dhaka from outside the capital as wasting time in travelling a long distance was futile.

The move comes in response to the escalating number of daily dengue cases, which reached the highest number of 3,122 cases in a single day this year.

At an online meeting on Sunday, Prof Dr Ahmedul Kabir, additional director general (planning and development) of the DGHS, conveyed this directive to civil surgeons, upazila health and family welfare officers, and other health officials operating in various regions across the country.

In the past 24 hours till Sunday morning, at least 3,122 dengue patients were hospitalised across the country, which was the highest daily count this year.

Also, 18 more deaths were reported from dengue during the period, raising the death toll to 822 and the caseload from the mosquito-borne disease this year to 167,684.

Dr Kabir emphasised the need to treat dengue patients in their respective locations, especially those residing outside Dhaka. He stated, "Dengue infection rates have risen outside the capital compared to Dhaka. We provide dengue treatment services across the country and have instructed healthcare officials not to refer patients unnecessarily to Dhaka."

Of the new dengue patients, 849 were admitted to hospitals in Dhaka, while 2,273 were treated outside Dhaka City, according to the DGHS.

Fluid management is the mainstay of dengue treatment, said Prof Kabir, adding, "We do not need a lot of equipment or a big hospital to give IV fluids. But if a patient is in nominal shock, and is being sent to Dhaka without managing the condition, we will definitely lose the patient during the long journey. If the treatment is taken where they are situated, the patient will not suffer."

He said arrangements have been made to ensure treatment in the district, upazila, and medical college, adding, "Let our patients seek treatment there with confidence."

Reiterating the importance of saline for dengue patients, Prof Kabir said some traders are trying to take advantage by creating an artificial crisis and surging prices. 

"We have instructed the civil surgeons to take actions against those involved in the malpractice," he added.

In response to a query about patient exploitation within intensive care units, he said the DGHS will conduct drives to investigate these hospitals and clinics, as well as against those that are unregistered or running with expired permits.

"We have instructed health authorities to form a coordination team and take stern action with the help of law enforcement agencies."

Additionally, the DGHS has identified pharmacies and clinics hoarding saline and will take appropriate measures against them. Prof Kabir further stated that illegal clinics, diagnostic centres, and establishments with improper ICUs nationwide would also face closure as part of these actions.