44 children die in 2 weeks amid lack of ICU beds at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital

At least 44 children undergoing treatment at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) died over the past two weeks after failing to secure admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), hospital officials said.

Dr Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal, head of the ICU, told The Business Standard today (26 March) that the deaths occurred between 10 March and 24 March. All of the deceased were in critical condition but could not be accommodated due to an acute shortage of specialised pediatric beds.

The hospital has a 40-bed ICU, with only 12 for children. Officials said these are not officially approved and is being operated by the hospital staff. With no pediatric ICU facilities in regions like Rangpur and Khulna, critically ill children are referred to Rajshahi, adding severe pressure on limited resources.

“For just 12 beds, around 30 to 40 patients remain on the waiting list daily. All of them are in critical condition, and we cannot prioritise one over another,” said Dr Kamal, adding that some children die while waiting.

He said many of the children might have survived with timely ICU care, stressing the need to expand capacity.

Hospital Director PKM Masud Ul Islam added that the facility is operating far beyond its capacity, serving patients from across regions.

“Yesterday alone, around 750 patients were admitted across two units against a capacity of just 160 beds. Even if 5% need ICU care, 35-40 beds are required daily, but only 12 are available,” he said, adding that ICU beds cannot be freed unless a patient recovers or dies, further intensifying the shortage.

A new five-storey ICU complex with 50 beds has been built but remains unused due to a lack of staff and equipment.

“We are ready to launch at least a 20-bed neonatal ICU initially if we receive the necessary staff and equipment. The matter has been raised with higher authorities,” he added.

Meanwhile, a 200-bed Rajshahi Children’s Hospital in the TB Pukur area, built at a cost of approximately Tk50 lakh with a 12-bed ICU, remains closed due to staff and equipment shortages. Residents say its prompt opening could help prevent such deaths.