DGHS orders private hospitals to set up separate wards for measles care

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has ordered all private healthcare facilities to set up separate wards for measles patients, amid complaints of some turning them away.

DGHS Director (Hospitals and Clinics) Abu Hussain Md Mainul Ahsan issued a directive on Tuesday. The instructions are as follows:

•    All private health facilities must designate dedicated wards or cabins for measles and suspected measles patients, and must admit and treat them accordingly.

•    Under the Private Medical College and Dental College Act, all private medical college hospitals are required to reserve at least 10 percent of their beds free of charge for patients from low-income groups. Half of that allocation must now be set aside specifically for measles and suspected measles patients.

•    Each admitted patient may be accompanied by no more than one guardian or visitor at a time.

•    Patient data must be uploaded daily to the Management Information System (MIS) website at http://surveillance.dghs.gov.bd. Those requiring emergency assistance can reach the hotline at 01759114488.

•    Private facilities must coordinate with local government health institutions to ensure uninterrupted treatment for measles and suspected patients.