ICCB corona hospital starts treating patients

The country’s largest hospital for coronavirus patients at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the capital has started its activities. The hospital has already started admitting corona patients and giving them necessary treatments. According to the hospital authority, the government has appointed necessary manpower including physicians to ensure treatment for the coronavirus infected patients in the hospital. Earlier, addressing a daily health bulletin on June 3, Prof Dr Nasima Sultana, Additional Director General of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said: “Bashundhara corona hospital has started its activities. The hospital has 2,000 beds.” Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque and Bashundhara Group Managing Director Sayem Sobhan Anvir formally inaugurated the hospital by cutting a ribbon at an event held at International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) on May 17. According to sources, initially, the hospital, named Bashundhara Covid-19 Isolation Hospital (Temporary Health Centre), may start its operation with 600 beds, and the government has already appointed a director, two assistant directors, 191 doctors and 10 office staffs so far for the purpose. More doctors, nurses and other medical staff will be appointed to the hospital soon as the corona infections and deaths are soaring gradually, said hospital director Tanvir Hamed recently. Bashundhara Group, a leading business conglomerate of the country, has come forward to set up the makeshift hospital for corona patients at the ICCB. The Health Engineering Department of the government and the Bashundhara Group jointly implemented the project. The dream has come true within three weeks due to their relentless efforts. Earlier, Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan sent a written proposal to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to construct a makeshift hospital for coronavirus patients at the ICCB. Bashundhara Group Managing Director Sayem Sobhan Anvir formally tendered the proposal to Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Dr Ahmed Kaikaus at the PMO. The premier accepted the proposal instantly. Besides, Sayem Sobhan Anvir also donated Tk 100 million to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. Initially, the hospital has accommodated 2,013 beds. The number of beds may increase to 5,000, depending on the number of corona patients. It is learnt that the ICCB will have a 71-bed intensive care unit (ICU). The government will provide medicine, doctors, nurses and supporting staff to facilitate the treatment. Bashundhara Group has designated its trade centre with 150,000 square feet and four convention centres with 90,000 square feet for the noble cause of treating people infected with the deadly virus which has seriously affected Bangladesh like other parts of the world.