RMCH counts 11 more deaths at Covid-19 unit

A number of 11 more people, including five female, died at Covid-19 unit of Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital (RMCH) during the last 24 hours till 6 am today, taking the death toll to 422, so far, this month, reports BSS. 

However, the fatality figure is the ever-lowest in the last 30 days.

RMCH Director Brig Gen Shamim Yazdani told newsmen that six of those were the residents in Rajshahi, followed by two from Pabna and one each from Natore, Naogaon and Kustia districts. They were aged between 41 and 65, he said.

Among the deaths, seven tested positive for Covid-19 and four had its symptoms, he said, adding that yesterday's fatality figure was also 22.

Yazdani said the hospital also had counted 25 fatalities caused by Covid-19 on July 14 and June 29 last since the pandemic began.

Some 57 more patients were admitted to the designated Covid wards of the hospital afresh during the time, taking its number to 419, including 194 positive for Covid-19, against 513 beds.

Another 19 patients are undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital. Thirty-seven other patients returned home after being cured during the time.

Meanwhile, 91 people were found positive for Covid-19 after testing 140 samples in two Rajshahi's laboratories on Friday showing 65 percent positivity rate against 33.33 percent on Thursday.

On Wednesday, the positivity rate was 37.50 percent while 34.04 percent on Tuesday.

Brig Yazdani said demand for oxygen has been rising continuously for the last couple of months in the wake of escalation of patients in the hospital.

At present, over 8,000 liters of oxygen are being supplied to the Covid-19 patients every day on an average in the hospital but the daily oxygen demand was only 2,500 liters in around two months back.

But, the oxygen demand has gone up by around 3,000 liters, particularly during the last couple of weeks.

Yazdani opined over 60 percent of the new Covid-19 patients admitted to the Covid-19 unit of RMCH are from villages, reiterating that awareness among the villagers is less compared to the urban people.

Despite symptoms they hesitate to go for tests. "Only they are coming to the hospital when they feel worse. Then we have nothing to do for them, they are dying," he continued.

He said utmost attention should be given to the villages along with urban areas as the fatality rate among the villagers is more and the grave situation is aggravating day-by-day there.

Apart from the administration and health workers, public representatives, political activists and volunteers should come forward and work together, otherwise, the situation may be further more alarming, he mentioned.