Dhaka,  Thursday
15 January 2026 , 02:40

Donik Barta

Cold-Related Illnesses Increase Pressure on Hospitals

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Published At: 12:37:17pm, 05 January 2026

Updated At : 12:37:17pm, 05 January 2026

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Prolonged and severe cold waves sweeping across the country over the past several weeks have significantly disrupted daily life, with children and the elderly being the worst affected as cases of cold-related illnesses rise at an alarming rate, placing immense pressure on public hospitals where growing numbers of patients are being treated for respiratory infections, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and diarrhea, over the past two months a large number of people have required hospital admission due to complications triggered by extreme cold, and a notable number of deaths linked to such conditions has highlighted the seriousness of the situation, regional data indicate that respiratory illnesses are more prevalent in and around major urban areas while diarrheal diseases are more widespread in southern and coastal regions, pediatric hospitals in particular are witnessing a sharp increase in patient inflow compared to normal times, putting additional strain on doctors and healthcare workers, medical experts explain that children are especially vulnerable because their immune systems are not fully developed and cold weather weakens the natural defenses of the respiratory tract, a similar trend is evident in major district hospitals where admissions of children and elderly patients continue to rise, physicians are advising parents and caregivers to keep children adequately warm, avoid exposure to cold air, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as breathing difficulty or diarrhea appear, health authorities have warned that the situation may remain critical until the winter season ends and have instructed hospitals at district and sub-district levels to remain fully prepared, overall the ongoing cold wave has emerged not merely as a seasonal phenomenon but as a serious public health challenge, underscoring the importance of awareness, timely medical care, and a responsive healthcare system to mitigate its impact.

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