Daily Star, 21 June 2002
BSS, Rangamati
At least 45 people died and 20,000 were affected by Malaria during last two
months creating a serious public health crisis in the hill district of Khagrachhari.
Official statistics available at the Civil Surgeon Office of Khagrachhari admitted 40 malaria-related deaths.
Patients are not getting proper treatment as only 27 doctors are working in
the 50-bed district hospital, out of 97 approved post, health officials said.
They also said supply of medicine is inadequate for the treatment of malaria
patients. Over five lakh people are living in the district.
A total of 130 Malaria patients are taking treatment in the Khagrachhari Sadar
Hospital. Three doctors, out of 12 doctors, are looking after the patients of
the hospital.
A large number of patients affected by Malaria are rushing towards the hospital
from different parts of the district for treatment.
Upazila Health Complex of Panchhari bordering Tripura state of India, has been
running with 'no doctor' for a long time, local people alleged.