TUHIN SHUBHRA ADHIKARY

Barguna, a southern coastal district with a population of about 10 lakh, turned into a dengue hotspot last year, recording 15 deaths and 9,534 cases -- the highest for any single district except those at divisional headquarters.

The district has come under the spotlight again this year amid a measles outbreak, as Barguna Sadar upazila recorded the highest infection rate until March.

But, none of the public hospitals, including the 250-bed General Hospital, in the district has intensive care units (ICU). Critically ill patients are referred to hospitals in Barishal and Dhaka, with many dying in transit, while others cannot afford ambulance transport.

The district has the necessary structure for setting up ICUs but not the equipment and necessary manpower, said Barguna Civil Surgeon Muhammad Abul Fatha.

Besides, two-third of the posts for health workers at all six upazila health complexes in the district have remained vacant for long, compounding the situation.

Against the backdrop, Barguna Deputy Commissioner has proposed Even where

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