In a worrying sign of the rising burden of cold-related diseases, 109 children were admitted to the 24-bed paediatric ward at Jashore General Hospital as of last night.

The majority are battling illnesses such as fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, and diarrhoea, hospital sources said.

The number of young patients is increasing daily, stretching the hospital's capacity. On Monday, 98 children were admitted to the ward, while on Tuesday, 95 new cases were added. The outpatient department (OPD) is similarly overwhelmed, with 700 children seeking treatment on Monday, and 600 on Tuesday.

As the hospital struggles with the surge of patients, it is also grappling with a severe shortage of medicines for cold-related illnesses. According to hospital staff, essential paediatric medications, such as Ambroxol and Fexicold, are unavailable, forcing parents to purchase them from outside pharmacies.

Hospital records show that 1,859 patients sought treatment at the OPD on Tuesday, including 629 men, 630 women, and 600 children. Of these, 230 children visited the paediatric department, while many others received prescriptions for common cold symptoms, coughs, and flu-like illnesses.

"Due to the sudden seasonal change, children are particularly vulnerable to cold-related diseases," said Ahmed Ferdous Jahangir Suman, associate professor of paediatrics at Jashore Medical College.

"The abrupt shift from warm to cold weather has led to a spike in respiratory issues, flu, and other ailments among children. Proper treatment is essential during this time," he added.

The lack of essential medicines has left parents frustrated. Arina, a seven-year-old patient suffering from a cold and sore throat, was prescribed medicines unavailable at the hospital. Her guardian was compelled to buy them from a private pharmacy.

For many parents like Arina's, the situation is grim, as the demand for care continues to rise. Hospital authorities fear the number of paediatric patients may increase further in the coming days, urging prompt action to address the medicine supply crisis.

The medicine crisis stems from delays in supply contracts. Hospital Superintendent Md Harun Or Rashid acknowledged the situation and said that the MSR (Medical and Surgical Requisites) tender process has been completed, but the appointed contractors are yet to deliver.

"We are managing government-supplied medicines from EDCL Limited. We expect the new supply to arrive by Thursday, which should alleviate the crisis," he said.

Civil Surgeon Md Mahmudur Rahman added that while Jashore General Hospital faces a shortage, upazila health complexes under his jurisdiction are adequately stocked.

"Doctors across the district are providing necessary treatment, but the surge in paediatric cases is particularly notable at Jashore General Hospital," he said.