DHAKA, Oct 19, 2020 (BSS) – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in
collaboration with Sadar Hospital and the Government of Bangladesh, today
inaugurated the expansion of medical services for patients with severe forms
of COVID-19 in the Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital.
The event was attended by the President of the Hospital Management
Committee and Honorable Member of Parliament, Shaimum Sarwar Kamal, the
Superintendent and Assistant Director of Sadar Hospital, Dr. Rafik-Us-
Saleheen, the Principal Of Cox’s Bazar Medical College, a Representative of
the Superintendent of the Police, the RRRC Health Sector Coordinator, as well
as Hinako Toki, UNHCR Senior Operations Coordinator, amongst others, an UNHCR
media release said.
In June 2020, the first Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency
Unit (HDU) were opened in Cox’s Bazar, with UNHCR support. The ICU currently
has a capacity of 10 beds with 11 ventilators and 2 portable ventilators and
8 HDU beds available for those with severe symptoms. This expansion will
significantly expand the capacity to respond, with 20 additional beds for
patients with severe symptoms.
In addition to the 20 extra beds, UNHCR has also provided support for
the refurbishment of the new ward, as well human resources support, with 43
new staff who have been recruited, including 10 medical doctors, 15 staff
nurses, a senior nurse, an infection prevention and control supervisor, 8
cleaners and 8 ward staff. Furthermore, medication and specialized equipment
have also been provided including beds, walled oxygen, oxygen pumps, infusion
and syringe pumps and specialized medical Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE).
“We will always remember the support provided by UNHCR and the UN
organisations for both refugees and for our people. Nobody can progress
without support and the will to work together” said Shaimum Sarwar Kamal at
today’s event.
“At the beginning of the pandemic, when people were panicking and
looking for solutions, it was UNHCR who were the first to come forward to
provide support. It is a great day to see such amazing services available in
the peripheral District of Cox’s Bazar” said Dr. Rafik-Us-Saleheen,
Superintendent and Assistant Director of Sadar Hospital.
Since the ICU and HDU were opened on June 20th, 124 patients in need of
critical care support have been admitted and received care in the Sadar
Hospital ICU. This includes both refugees referred from the camps, as well as
local Bangladeshi communities.
UNHCR and the entire humanitarian community is continuing to work hand-
in-hand with the Government of Bangladesh to both prevent and respond to
cases of COVID-19 in Cox’s Bazar district. So far, 14 Severe Acute
Respiratory Infection Isolation and Treatment Centres (SARI ITCs) have also
been established for the treatment of those with moderate to severe symptoms.
“The coronavirus pandemic has presented a huge challenge globally. UNHCR
is grateful for the strong partnership with the Government of Bangladesh in
combating the virus. We will continue to work together to ensure the best
care possible for those who suffer from COVID-19 in Cox’s Bazar district,
both refugees and local communities” said Hinako Toki, Senior Operations
Coordinator for UNHCR, Cox’s Bazar.