733 ICU beds at govt hospitals: DGHS informs HC

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Wednesday informed the High Court that there are a total of 733 intensive care unit (ICU) beds at government hospitals across the country.

Additional Attorney General Murad Reza disclosed the matter quoting the DGHS as the HC wanted details on the ICU and their distribution among the hospitals on June 8, reports UNB.

Among them, 235 ICU beds have been set up at 17 government hospitals and the government is trying to increase the number, he said.

The information was placed before the bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim while hearing a writ petition seeking acquisition of private hospital ICUs and formation of Central Bed Bureau.

Reza said the DGHS is monitoring the ICUs and anyone can call the hotline for support.

The HC said that if the monitoring system of the hospitals are proper, then why people are moving from hospital to hospital for treatment.

The court fixed June 14 to deliver its order over the writ petition along with the matter of oxygen crisis.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Deputy Registrar Sheikh Abdullah Al Mamun on June 6 filed the writ petition.

Six people, including health secretary, secretary of Planning Ministry and Dhaka and Chattogram Deputy Commissioners, were made respondents.