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Published : 17 Jun 2025, 12:07 AM
Amid a fresh spike in COVID-19 cases, three ventilators have been installed at Chattogram General Hospital, with Chattogram Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) also ready to admit patients.
Although Chattogram General Hospital was announced as a dedicated facility for COVID-19 patients, all of its ventilators were out of order just days ago.
Following media reports highlighting the issue, two new ventilators were sent from Dhaka, and an existing one was repaired and reconnected to the ICU.
On Monday afternoon, the hospital’s Superintendent Akram Hossain told bdnews24.com: “We have installed three ventilators. Our COVID unit is now ready with 20 isolation beds and five ICU beds.
“We have our own oxygen supply system and all necessary equipment. So far, three patients have been admitted and are receiving treatment. If any patient requires ICU support, we are capable of providing it.”
Referring to the COVID-19 testing kits, he said: “Testing resumed on Sunday after the kits arrived from Dhaka. More kits will be supplied on a regular basis based on demand.”
Meanwhile, the CMCH, the district’s largest public hospital, is also ready to provide COVID-19 care.
During a visit to the hospital in the morning, Chattogram Mayor Shahadat Hossain expressed satisfaction with the preparations.
“There are 10 functional ventilators here (COVID ward) and 60 more are available upstairs. The hospital is equipped with the most crucial oxygen lines connected to each room, cabin, and bed” he said.
“This hospital has a 50-bed dedicated COVID centre that is self-sufficient with high-flow oxygen, specialist doctors, and dialysis equipment. Although no patients have yet been admitted, all resources are in place,” the mayor added.
Hospital Director Mohammed Taslim Uddin said the facility has yet to admit any patients as the Chattogram General Hospital is dedicated to COVID-19 right now.
“If the situation escalates, we are ready to treat patients here as well.”
As of Sunday, the Civil Surgeon Office reported 28 COVID-19 cases in the district, with 15 from the port city.
During his hospital visit, Shahadat warned of legal action against “dishonest traders” inflating the prices of COVID-related protective medical equipment.
“Some corrupt traders have already increased mask prices and are attempting to make them disappear from the market. Several protective gear such as gloves, sanitisers, and lotions are also becoming scarce,” he said.
“As we controlled commodity prices during Ramadan, we will act similarly now. We won’t spare any dishonest traders.
He added, “All items must be sold at regular prices. We know where stockpiles are hidden, and legal steps will follow.”
