There is no denying that in Bangladesh, duration of the winter season is relatively short, but every year the season inflicts immense sufferings to people especially children, elderly and poor. Over the past few days, people across the country have experienced a sudden fall in temperature and a cold wave is likely to sweep the country next week.
According to the Met office, adverse weather may strike from December 17 or 18, bringing in fog and possibly light rain in parts of the country.
According to media reports, the number of patients, especially children and elderly people, is increasing in hospitals. Both children and elderly are suffering from respiratory infections, pneumonia, bronchitis and some other ailments caused by cold.
Government should operate temporary and
seasonal medical teams to work in remote
areas where people cannot avail medical facilities
Reports tell us that about one or two more cold waves are expected to sweep the country at the end of December and the temperature may plummet to as low as 6°C in northern, north-eastern and central parts of the country during the period.
Therefore, it is time to prepare for a harsh spell of cold and the government should plan in advance to combat it. As many remote places in the country do not have access to adequate healthcare facilities, departments concerned should operate temporary and seasonal medical teams to work in remote areas where people cannot avail medical facilities.
All parents should take special care of their children. Children may be found with stomach ache and they refuse to have food. In that case, they have to be given oral saline with normal food. If the situation does not improve, parents must consult with a doctor immediately. Last but not least, the media can play a big role in preparing people for facing cold-related diseases by telecasting health care programmes.
