Md. Tanzim Hossain, Chattogram

29th October is the World Stroke Day. According to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) data, 6,776 stroke patients were admitted to the hospital in 2023. As of October this year, the number has surged to 9,500.

Stroke cases are on the rise in Chattogram, but the region still lacks a specialized hospital for stroke treatment. Amidst this crisis, the Neurology Department at CMCH has become the only reliable treatment center.

Currently, the ward is providing thrombolytic therapy to stroke patients, which is effective in treating blood clot-related issues in the early stages of a stroke. So far, 20 patients have undergone thrombolysis in the ward. Additionally, the ward is running regular clinics for epilepsy and headache treatment, while a dedicated stroke clinic is being used for patient follow-up.

Reports indicate that while the ward is approved for only 33 beds, the pressure of patient influx has led to an expansion to 85 beds. On average, over a hundred patients are now being admitted, leading to treatments extending from inside the ward to the corridors outside. The safety of female doctors during night shifts and the challenge of providing emergency oxygen supply are also concerning issues. The presence of patients on the floor makes routine follow-up rounds by specialists even more difficult.

Dr. Md. Hasanuzzaman, Head of the Neurology Department at CMCH, stated, “While the number of stroke patients in Chattogram is increasing, we have improved the quality of services in our ward. Despite the growing number of patients, we are striving to provide the best care within our limited resources. However, if a specialized stroke hospital can be established in Chattogram, it would reduce the pressure on CMCH and enable better care for patients.”

Despite the rising number of stroke patients, the absence of a specialized hospital has created immense pressure on CMCH. Establishing a quality specialized hospital for stroke treatment in Chattogram is crucial to effectively address this crisis and ensure better healthcare services for patients.