United News of Bangladesh

A severe shortage of intensive care unit (ICU) beds at Rangpur Medical College Hospital (RMCH), the largest public healthcare facility in northern Bangladesh, is putting critically ill patients at grave risk amid limited access to life-saving support. Hospital director Brig Gen Ashikur Rahman said between March 1 and April 5, 29 of the 79 patients admitted to the ICU died — a figure that underscores the mounting pressure on the already stretched critical care system. Despite serving eight districts in the Rangpur division, the hospital has only 10 ICU beds, far short of the growing demand. Patients suffering from stroke, pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions are among those seeking admission, many of whom remain in critical condition. Doctors and health experts say the high death toll is linked not only to the shortage of beds but also to inadequate facilities including a lack of modern equipment and trained personnel. Saiful Islam, a resident of Domar upazila in Nilphamari, has been trying for weeks to secure an ICU bed for his critically ill wife Arzina Begum. “After 24 days of struggle, we finally managed a bed,” he said, describing the ordeal. For many others, access to ICU care remains uncertain. “Getting an ICU bed now depends on luck,” said Sonali Begum, a patient’s relative. “Many patients are being turned away due to a lack of beds. We can only wait and hope.” Another relative, Zainal Ahmed, said the high cost of private healthcare leaves families with few alternatives. “Private hospitals charge Tk 30,000 to Tk 40,000 per day for ICU care. We cannot afford that, so we wait here. But by the time a bed becomes available, it may be too late,” he said. The 1,000-bed hospital treats between 2,500 and 3,000 patients daily, far exceeding its capacity. “Six months ago, we couldn’t get an ICU bed. Now it’s the same situation,” said another relative. “We don’t have the money for private hospitals. Where should we go?” Hospital sources said the demand for ICU services is rising daily but limited beds and equipment prevent many patients from being admitted. Health experts have termed the situation unacceptable for a divisional-level public hospital. They said expanding ICU capacity must go beyond increasing beds — requiring modern ventilators, life-support systems, and trained doctors and nurses. “In the current reality, many patients are forced to seek treatment at private facilities which are beyond the reach of most people,” said a public health expert, adding that poor patients are often left without care. Dr Md Alfe Sani Moudud Ahmed, assistant professor of Critical Care Medicine at RMCH, said the actual number of deaths outside the ICU remains unknown. “If so many patients are dying inside the ICU, we have no data on how many are dying outside without access to critical care,” he said. “At least 10 percent of the 2,500 to 3,000 daily patients need ICU support. That means we need around 100 ICU beds.” “With only 10 beds, we are struggling to provide services. Without increasing equipment and skilled manpower, the situation will worsen,” he added. Hospital Director Brig Gen Ashikur Rahman said authorities are trying to deliver the best possible care with limited resources. “We have informed the higher authorities about the need to increase ICU beds. We hope for a quick solution,” he said.