70% BSMMU dengue patients were at death risk: Study

Almost 70 percent dengue patients admitted in the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) during the recent outbreak were under death threat as their platelet count was below 50,000, a recent study has revealed.

The BSMMU conducted the research over 240 dengue patients since July 24 this year.

"The patients with low platelet count were also suffering from dengue hemorrhagic fever. It was a very tough task for the doctors to save the life of these patients, but they succeed," read the study headed by Dr Md Tanvir Islam, associate professor of the Department of Internal Medicine.

The research paper was revealed in a programme of the University Research Day 2019 at Dr Shaheed Milon Auditorium of the university.

The study also said that during the outbreak 1,300 dengue patients took medical service from the hospital and 5 of them died.

Of the patients, 68 percent came from Dhaka and 32 percent from outside the capital.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university Professor Dr Konok Kanti Barua presided over the programme, while Health Minister Jahid Malik was present as the chief guest.

Jahid Malik said: "Drive against corruption is underway. The prime minister is also determined to eliminate corrupts. She wants mental development of the countrymen along with infrastructure development." 

"We, especially, the doctors must have ethics. That's why the doctors must provide appropriate treatment to the patients. If we fail to do this, the country definitely can't go ahead," the minister added.

Jahid Malik further said, "I went to a hospital recently, but saw no doctor there and the machineries were not functioning too. Why we see such kind of scenario in the hospitals and the general people have been depriving from treatment? This is also a part of corruption. Please don't do it for the sake of the nation."

"We want change and it has to be achieved through good works. We will have to face many obstacles, but we must go ahead overcoming all barriers," he added. 

Dr Syed Modasser Ali, chairman of BMRC and Community Clinic and Medical Assistant Trust and Sheikh Yousuf Harun, secretary of Health Education and Family Welfare Division of Health Ministry were present as the special guests.

Professor Dr Md Shahidullah Sikder, Pro-vice-chancellor (Research and Development) of BSMMU and Professor Dr Shahana Akhter, pro-vice-chancellor (Education) of BSMMU, among others, addressed the function.