Seventy -year-old Mofizur Rahman had a blood sugar level of 40. When his condition deteriorated, he was quickly taken to a private hospital in Dhaka's Shahbagh area. However, after providing initial treatment, they informed him that he would need to be moved to the CCU or ICU because there were no available beds at their facility.
Later, Mofizur Rahman's family took him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), where his treatment began. Without the need for a CCU or ICU, he received care and made a full recovery, eventually returning home.
It's not just Mofizur Rahman; for many common people like him, Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) is a place of trust. Due to its reputation for providing quality care, patients are willing to spend the night on the hospital's verandas, floors, and staircases just to receive treatment.
Patients from all over the country come here for treatment, causing constant pressure on the hospital. As a result, doctors, nurses and healthcare workers at the hospital are always struggling to manage the overwhelming number of patients.
Speaking with doctors, nurses, and staff at the hospital, it transpired that DMCH-1 and DMCH-2 along with the Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit together have nearly 2,600 beds. However, every day, the number of patients admitted for treatment is double the hospital's capacity. At this hospital, with 2,600 beds, nearly 4,500 patients are admitted daily. In addition, around 5,000 patients receive treatment at the outpatient department, and approximately 1,000 to 1,200 patients visit the emergency department.
In total, around 10,000 patients receive medical care from DMCH every day. According to the hospital's doctors and authorities, this amounts to about 300,000 patients per month and 36,00,000 patients annually.
DMCH's Deputy Director Dr Md Ashraful Alam told the Daily Observer that no new appointments have been made for the DMCH-2 building. We are running the entire 2600-bed hospital with our old setup.
Patients are sent to DMCH from all divisions, districts, and upazilas across the country, as well as from both public and private hospitals in the capital. DMCH generally does not turn anyone away. Even if there are no beds available, patients are accommodated on the floors. The hospital ensures they receive care.
"We are serving patients beyond our capacity", the Deputy Director further stated. Out of 6,000 employees at DMCH, 700 are doctors, 2,500 are nurses, and the rest are supporting staff. Among them, the full workforce cannot always be utilized due to various reasons such as leave or training. However, with this workforce, DMCH is providing medical services to approximately 10,000 to 12,000 patients every day.
DMCH is the oldest tertiary-level hospital located at the heart of Dhaka. This hospital started its journey on 10 July 1946 as a 200- bed field hospital for the British Indian armed forces. The main building was built in 1904.
It has a glorious past in all democratic movements including the Student form liberation war in 1971 and the Language movement in 1952. It is an Academic Hospital for Dhaka Medical College and Dhaka Nursing College (both graduate and post-graduate different disciplines) where students undergo their practical training.
This Hospital had been upgraded to a 1080 bedded hospital in 1972. Subsequently, it has been converted into a 1800 bedded tertiary-level hospital. Now it is 2600- bed (300- bed including Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit). DMCH covers nearly 25 acres of its own land, which houses various facilities. These include the college building, auditorium, nuclear medicine center, student hostels, and the burn unit.
Speaking with doctors and nurses at various levels, they highlighted many successes of the hospital. On July 23, 2015, a newborn baby, who had been shot in the womb, was brought to the hospital in critical condition. After treatment, the baby was discharged in good health. Meanwhile, Abul Bajandar, known as the 'Tree Man' due to the roots growing from his hands and feet, visited several hospitals before finally arriving at DMCH. He was successfully treated at the Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit, where his condition was improved.
DMCH, a place of utmost trust for the common people, has countless success stories in treatment. Despite the bed shortage, insufficient workforce, and numerous issues and challenges, this hospital remains a place of confidence for the public.
Patients suffering from complex and incurable diseases travel from remote areas to receive care here. Doctors, nurses, and staff at the hospital work tirelessly, providing medical services 24/7, dedicating their time to serving the community.
When talking to several patients, this correspondent found that they cannot afford to seek treatment at a private hospital, so they rely on DMCH.
However, many patients alleged that they are being deprived of services due to the harassment of brokers and the negligence of the authorities. In particular, patients and their families face extreme difficulties when it comes to various physical tests and examinations. Their complaint is that many tests now have to be done externally, as the hospital lacks the necessary facilities for them. Even when available, these tests are often not conducted for various excuses. The authorities need to pay attention to this issue.
DMCH's Director Brigadier General Md Asaduzzaman told the Daily Observer that DMCH has to handle more patients than its capacity. In addition to this hospital, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital, Mitford Hospital, Mugda General Hospital, and Kurmitola Hospital also provide all types of medical treatments. These hospitals, along with skilled doctors, are equipped with modern medical equipment.
