DHAKA, Oct 19, 2020 (BSS) – The UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in collaboration with the Bangladesh government and Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital has expanded the medical services for patients with severe forms of COVID-19 in the Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital.
Under the expansion imitative, 20 additional beds were added at the hospital for patients with severe symptoms, a press release said here today.
In June 2020, the first Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU) were opened in Cox’s Bazar, with UNHCR support while 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.
In addition to the 20 extra beds, the 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).
Hospital Management Committee President local lawmaker Shaimum Sarwar Kamal inaugurated the expansion facilities today at a ceremony while Hospital Superintendent and Assistant Director 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 Ms. Hinako Toki, UNHCR Senior Operations Coordinator, were present amongst others.
The UNHCR along with the entire humanitarian community is continuing to work hand-in-hand with the Bangladesh government to both prevent and respond to cases of COVID-19 in Cox’s Bazar district, said the release.
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 UNHCR is grateful for the strong partnership with the Government of Bangladesh in combatting 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.