A 31-bed hospital in Alikadam upazila of Bandarban is currently treating more than 70 children showing symptoms of measles, alongside other patients, resulting in severe overcrowding and resource constraints.
At the Alikadam Upazila Health Complex, a total of over 100 patients are receiving treatment. Due to the shortage of beds, many patients are being treated on the floor and in corridors.
Health officials reported that 15 children with measles-like symptoms were admitted on Monday from a temporary clinic in the Poamuhuri area of Kurukpata Union. Prior to this, 55 children with similar symptoms had already been admitted, bringing the total number of affected children in the hospital to at least 70. In addition, more than 30 patients are being treated for other conditions, including diarrhoea and malaria.
The hospital, which has only 31 official beds, is operating far beyond its capacity. According to the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, Mohammad Hanif, the facility was originally designed with infrastructure for a 50-bed upgrade, but official approval has not yet been granted. As a result, the hospital continues to function with 31 beds while accommodating more than triple its capacity in patients.
Patient and Facility Overview
| Category | Number of Patients |
|---|---|
| Children with measles symptoms | 70+ |
| Other patients (diarrhoea, malaria, etc.) | 30+ |
| Total patients currently treated | 100+ |
| Official hospital bed capacity | 31 beds |
| Patients admitted from Monday (Poamuhuri clinic) | 15 children |
| Earlier admitted children | 55 children |
The pressure on the hospital is further compounded by shortages of food, bedding, and medical staff. Authorities have noted that the institution is required to provide meals designed for 31 patients to more than 100 individuals, creating logistical difficulties.
The outbreak has been concentrated in the remote Kurukpata Union, a predominantly Mro community area in Alikadam. Over the past month, measles symptoms have been reported widely in the region. At least four children have died in the union during this period, while more than a hundred individuals have reportedly received treatment.
Access to healthcare remains a major challenge in the area. Residents often need to travel approximately 12 kilometres through hilly terrain to reach the hospital, making it difficult for many families to seek timely medical care. In response, a temporary clinic was established in Kurukpata on 25 April 2026 to improve access for remote communities.
The temporary clinic is being operated with the support of the army, which is also assisting in transporting patients to the hospital and returning them home after recovery. Medical treatment and medicines are being provided free of charge to patients with measles-like symptoms.
Local administrative support has also been reported. Community organisations, alongside military and upazila administration efforts, are assisting in patient transport and providing food for accompanying family members staying at the hospital.
Health authorities from the district civil surgeon’s office have indicated that measles-like cases were initially identified in Alikadam, Lama, and Naikhongchhari from 28 March. However, the situation in Kurukpata has worsened significantly over the past two weeks, with a sharp increase in cases reported from the remote area.
