Special Preparations in Hospitals Nationwide, Including the Capital, Amid Fears of Election-Related Violence

Special preparations have been taken at government and private hospitals across the country centering on today’s National Parliament election. In light of the 10-point directive issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), emergency measures have been strengthened at healthcare institutions nationwide, including in the capital.

Contacting the major government hospitals in the capital revealed that they have taken maximum preparations for the election. Sources at Dhaka Medical College Hospital said that additional doctors and nurses have been kept ready in the emergency department. Necessary medicines, saline, and blood supplies have been ensured.

Similar preparations have been taken at hospitals in various districts outside the capital identified as high-risk. The respective hospital authorities stated that medical teams, ambulances, and necessary medical equipment have been kept ready to any election-related emergency situation.

Officials of the Directorate General of Health Services said that the main objective of this initiative is to ensure prompt medical services in case of any unexpected situation centering on the election. They also stated that overall, the health sector is fully prepared.

The directive signed by the Director (Hospitals and Clinics) of the Directorate General of Health Services, Dr. Abu Hossain Md. Moinul Ahsan, stated that a 24-hour control room must remain operational during the election period. At the same time, all relevant healthcare institutions have been instructed to maintain special alertness and preparedness from February 10 to 15.

The Director of the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) in the capital, Dr. Md. Abul Kenan, said that all types of preparations have been completed in accordance with government instructions. For five days, five rapid response teams have been kept ready. Each team consists of 15 members. In addition, extra manpower has also been kept ready, which will be utilized if necessary. Adequate personnel, medicines, and equipment are available in the emergency department and emergency operation theaters.

The Director of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital in the capital, Dr. Mohammad Sehab Uddin, said that their rapid rescue team is prepared. All leave of those who were on vacation has been canceled. The entire team is active round the clock. Ambulances, emergency department staff, nurses, and doctors are fully prepared.

According to the DGHS directive, six medical teams must be formed at each city corporation, four at the divisional level, three at the district level, two at the upazila level, and one at the union level. The head of the respective institution or health administrator will determine the team members based on manpower availability and necessity. Additionally, instructions have been given to appoint extra personnel in emergency departments as needed and to keep ambulances ready at all times.

In this regard, Dr. Shankar K. Biswas, EMO and Public Relations Officer of Rajshahi Medical College (RMCH) Hospital, said that seven medical teams have been prepared comprising Orthopedic, Surgery, Neurosurgery, Anesthesia, Blood Transfusion, and Emergency departments. These teams will work from the 10th to the 15th. In addition, seven medical teams have been kept ready for ambulances. If any accident occurs anywhere, these teams will provide emergency services. Special measures have been taken in the emergency and casualty departments. He expressed hope that they are fully prepared to handle any unpleasant situation.

Furthermore, it has been made mandatory for institution heads to remain present at their workplaces. If anyone is on leave for any reason, the name, designation, and mobile number of the responsible officer must be informed to the Directorate General of Health Services. Private hospitals and clinics have also been instructed to keep their emergency departments operational round the clock with doctors present.

Chattogram Medical College (CMCH) Hospital is 100 percent prepared to provide medical services if needed after any election-related violence, said its Director, Brigadier General Mohammad Taslim Uddin. He stated that ahead of the 13th Parliamentary Election, all departments including the emergency department have been kept ready to provide medical services round the clock. The surgery unit has also been prepared as an emergency department. Doctors’ leave has been canceled, and hospital staff have been kept on standby. The hospital is fully prepared to provide medical services if needed following any type of election-related violence.

Dr. Akhil Sarkar, Medical Officer of Madaripur District Hospital, said that three medical teams have been formed for three days to handle any unpleasant incident centering on the parliamentary election. They will remain engaged round the clock in providing medical services to those injured in election-related