Photo: Collected

BARISHAL, Jan 9, 2026 (BSS) - Hospitals in Barishal are witnessing a surge in patients suffering from cold-related illnesses as the ongoing cold wave continues to affect the region. 

Children are particularly vulnerable, along with the elderly, leading to a significant increase in hospital admissions.

Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital's children's wards on the second and third floors are operating far beyond capacity. With only 41 beds available, over 300 children are currently admitted, and an average of more than 150 patients is being admitted daily. The influx has also resulted in large crowds outside the hospital.

Many parents from surrounding villages have brought their children to the hospital after initial treatments from local pharmacies failed to improve their condition. Common symptoms include fever, cold, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, and in severe cases, pneumonia.

Aleya Begum, a mother, said, "We first consulted a village doctor, and the fever seemed to subside. Later, we brought the child to Barishal Hospital and found it was pneumonia." Similarly, Nazma Begum stated, "The medicine from the local pharmacy did not help, so we brought our child here for treatment."

Hospital sources report that in addition to in-patient care, more than 500 children receive treatment daily at the outpatient department. Doctors said that patient numbers have increased by approximately one and a half times compared to normal.

Dr. Md. Nurul Alam, resident physician of the Child Health Department at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, said, "The number of patients suffering from cold-related diseases is rising. Cases are expected to increase further. Parents should be careful, as even the cloth used to cover a child can cause them to catch a cold if it becomes wet from sweat."

Director of the hospital Brigadier General Dr. AKM Mosiul Munir acknowledged the shortage of beds but emphasized that patients are receiving the best possible care. He also highlighted the dedication of nurses and advised parents to remain vigilant during the cold wave.

Doctors warn that the prevalence of cold-related illnesses is being exacerbated by sudden weather changes and urge parents to seek medical attention promptly.

According to the Barishal Meteorological Office, temperatures in the region have ranged from 9 degrees Celsius 12.8 degrees Celsius in recent days.