POBNEWS24, Dhaka Aug 12, 2023 : Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Malek said that the demand for saline has increased 10 times due to the sudden increase in dengue patients across the country. An average of about 40 thousand bags of saline have to be given every day. Monthly demand is 12 lakh bags. In this situation, it has been asked to import saline from abroad to ensure medical care for dengue patients.
He said these things to reporters after visiting the dengue unit of Manikganj 250-bed Sadar Hospital on Saturday (August 12) afternoon.
The health minister said that saline manufacturing companies in Bangladesh have been asked to do full production. All pharmaceutical companies are not able to produce saline according to demand. For that reason, instructions have been given to import saline from abroad in a meeting two days ago.
He said there is no worm shortage for dengue sample testing in government hospitals. As the supply is low or shortage, it has been asked to supply from outside if necessary.
Zahid Malek said that all measures have been taken for the treatment of dengue patients. Only 3000 beds are kept in Dhaka city, 2000 beds are filled with patients. I have asked to keep 5 thousand beds ready all over the country, many beds are still empty.
The minister also said that to reduce dengue patients, mosquitoes must be reduced, if mosquitoes are reduced, mosquito bites will also be reduced, then dengue infection will also be reduced. I have called upon the city corporation and municipality to spray well. We have to keep our yard clean.
Also present during the dengue unit inspection, Manikganj District Commissioner Rehena Akhter, Civil Surgeon Dr. Moazzem Ali Khan Chowdhury, Manikganj 250-bed sadar hospital supervisor Dr. Mohammad Bahauddin, Resident Medical Officer Kazi AKM Russell and local Awami League leaders.
