Measles Outbreak Due to Interim Government’s Failure to Provide Vaccines: Dr. Rafiqul Islam

BNP Health Affairs Secretary Dr. Rafiqul Islam has commented that a measles outbreak has occurred among children in the country due to the interim government’s failure to provide vaccines on time. He made this remark on Monday (March 30) morning after visiting Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.

Dr. Rafiqul Islam said, “The first measles case was detected in the Rohingya camp on January 4. At that time, although the concerned authorities were aware of the issue, complications arose in procuring vaccines.

As a result, effective measures could not be taken in time, and consequently, the outbreak of the disease has now increased.”

He further said, “Until 2024, vaccines were procured in the country through a specific process, but later a decision was made to purchase vaccines through another institution. At the same time, due to a year-long protest by those involved in implementing the vaccination program, immunization activities were disrupted. As a result, the risk of spreading such infectious diseases has increased.”

He called on the concerned authorities to prioritize public interest and perform their responsibilities properly, and requested that such programs not be disrupted.

Mentioning the need for renewed research on the measles situation, he said, “Currently, vaccines are administered to children aged 9 months and 15 months, but children as young as four months are also getting infected. It is necessary to investigate why infections are occurring before the scheduled time. If research is conducted on this, it will be possible to control and eliminate the disease at an early stage.”

Emphasizing awareness, he said, “Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread from one person to 10 to 15 people. Therefore, instead of panicking, everyone should remain cautious.”

Describing the overall situation at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Dr. Rafiqul Islam said, “Although the hospital has around 1,200 beds, currently about 2,900 patients are receiving treatment, which is putting pressure on healthcare services.” He also mentioned that treatment in the ICU designated for children is being provided on a limited scale, where 12 children are currently under care. He added that if the disease can be controlled at an early stage, pressure on the ICU can be reduced.

Stating that recent deaths of children in the hospital are under investigation, he said, “The government has formed a three-member investigation committee on this matter. The committee members are visiting the hospital and reviewing the situation, and after receiving their report, detailed information about the actual measles situation will be known.” He also commented that the Health Minister’s remark about hanging the hospital director “on the gallows” was made out of emotion.

Earlier, Dr. Rafiqul Islam visited the isolation ward and ICU designated for children infected with measles at the hospital. At that time, Hospital Director Brigadier General P K M Masud Ul Islam, along with relevant officials and doctors, were present.