FROM PAGE 3

A similar situation was observed in several other settlements across Kurukpata union, including Maran Para, Langthoin Para, Ruitong Para, Langring, Yangring, Mendon, and Bidyamoni Para.

Local elders, including Chingtui Mro, Mongkhaid Mro, and Krongtoi Mro, said the method has been practised for generations whenever symptoms resembling measles or smallpox appear.

“We learned this from our ancestors,” Chingtui said.

Local residents said health workers rarely visit these remote areas to provide routine vaccination or medical services, while poor communication and high costs make it difficult for them to seek treatment at hospitals.

Many families also have limited knowledge about the risks of infectious diseases such as measles and the importance of modern treatment, while deep-rooted trust in traditional healing practices continues to shape healthcare decisions.

Meanwhile, 12 new patients with measles-like symptoms were admitted to Alikadam Upazila Health Complex yesterday, raising the total number of such patients currently being treated at the hospital to 52, said Dr Md Hanif, upazila health and family planning officer in Alikadam.

So far, there have been 133 suspected measles cases in the upazila. Of them, 107 patients were admitted to the hospital.

Under the directive of the Bandarban civil surgeon, an eight-member medical team has been working at a temporary camp set up at Moitree Government Primary School in Kurukpata union.

As most patients are coming from the remote border area of Poyamuhuri hills, another temporary medical camp has been relocated to Bidyamoni Government Primary School in the Poyamuhuri area, with the initiative of the Mro Youth Organisation, Dr Hanif said.