Photo : BSS

LAKSHMIPUR, Jan 7, 2026 (BSS) – The district is witnessing a sharp rise in diarrhoea and pneumonia cases amid the ongoing severe winter, putting immense pressure on hospitals and health complexes.

Due to an acute shortage of beds and wards, many patients are being treated on hospital floors and verandahs, causing severe hardship for patients of all ages, particularly children and their attendants.

On average, 70 to 80 patients are being admitted daily to Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital alone, while around 600 patients have been admitted over the past week. The majority of them are children. Similar conditions prevail at the upazila health complexes in Kamalnagar, Ramgati, Raipur and Ramganj.

According to the sources of Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital, the 100-bed hospital is receiving patients far beyond its capacity. Every day, patients suffering from cold-related diseases, including diarrhoea and pneumonia, seek treatment there.

An average of 35 to 40 children are admitted daily, while about 800 more patients receive treatment at the outdoor department.

The hospital has only 15 beds in its infant ward, but due to overcrowding, two to three children are often treated on a single bed. 

As a result of the shortage of wards, patients—including infants—are being treated on balconies and floors. The hospital is currently handling nearly six times more patients than its capacity, placing doctors and nurses under constant pressure.

Patients and their relatives said the number of diarrhoea and pneumonia cases is increasing every day.

They alleged that overcrowding has made it difficult to move inside the hospital. Many children are being kept in cold verandahs without proper medical facilities, worsening their condition.

Relatives also complained about unhygienic conditions in hospital toilets and surrounding areas, saying the overall situation is deteriorating rapidly. They demanded immediate steps to improve facilities and patient care.

Dr Md Ismail Hasan, consultant at the children’s ward of Sadar Hospital, said the rise in diarrhoea and pneumonia cases is linked to cold weather and may increase further. He advised people not to panic and urged parents to keep children warm and follow medical advice.

Resident Medical Officer Dr Arup Pal said that despite a shortage of doctors and nurses, hospital staff are continuing treatment to the best of their ability. He said that although the hospital has 100 beds, it is currently treating more than 100 inpatients, with an additional 70 to 80 patients admitted daily for cold-related illnesses.

He added that around 600 patients are admitted every week suffering from diarrhoea, pneumonia and whooping cough.