As cases of Covid-19, dengue, chikungunya and other virus-related infections rise suddenly, the country’s healthcare system is edging towards a crisis. At the heart of this warning is a robust appeal made by leading experts at a Continuing Medical Education (CME) seminar arranged by Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), urging immediate, well-coordinated and scientifically grounded action.
Pro-Vice Chancellor (Admin) of BMU Prof Dr Md Abul Kalam Azad, delivered a straight and urgent message: “We are entering a life-threatening period.” This warning is backed by a confluence of data and field observation. Over 1,800 dengue-related hospital admissions and at least seven deaths have been reported so far this month, while Covid-19 cases—driven by promptly spreading Omicron sub-variants XFG and XFC—are rising across urban and the border areas. Although these variants are not yet classified by the World Health Organization as Variants of Concern, their capacity to infect even vaccinated individuals raises grave alarms, mainly for people with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, or those undergoing dialysis.
What makes this existing health threat particularly dangerous is the convergence of several virus-related outbreaks. As emphasised by the experts, co-infections like ‘flurona’ (simultaneous flu and Covid-19) are becoming more common, increasing the risk of complications in vulnerable populations. His recommendations—wearing surgical masks, avoiding crowded spaces, staying hydrated and consuming a nutritious diet—are vital public health measures that must be reinforced across all strata of society.
This crisis is an acid test for Bangladesh’s healthcare
resilience. It is also an opportunity—to reinforce trust in
science, streamline healthcare delivery and safeguard
our most vulnerable communities
The dengue situation is no less severe. The experts presented the Dengue Guideline 2025 with a strong advisory: avoid antibiotics, steroids and unscientific remedies such as papaya leaf juice. These treatments not only lack clinical efficacy but may also cause harm, including liver damage and delayed recovery. The appropriate response the experts underlined, lies in timely hydration, paracetamol use and proper medical evaluation—nothing more, nothing less.
Furthermore, the resurgence of chikungunya—with 161 confirmed cases in recent months—adds another layer of complexity. The experts’ warning regarding prolonged post-viral symptoms serves as a reminder that even seemingly mild infections may have long-term effects on public health and productivity.
In response, BMU leadership has called on all hospitals—government and private—to activate fever clinics, ensure satisfactory stockpiles of IV fluids and emergency drugs and train healthcare professionals on updated protocols. These are not suggestions—they are imperatives.
The message from BMU is both urgent and rational: respond with facts, not fear. Panic and misinformation only deteriorate our capacity to fight back. Public health preparedness must be driven by data, guided by medical expertise and supported through policy, infrastructure and education.
This crisis is an acid test for Bangladesh’s healthcare resilience. It is also an opportunity—to reinforce trust in science, streamline healthcare delivery and safeguard our most vulnerable communities. Let this be the moment we choose decisive, coordinated and evidence-based action over reluctance and word of mouth. The time to act is now.
