Bangladesh mandates free dengue treatment

The government of Bangladesh>>>, through its Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Shakhawat Hossain Bakul>>>, has issued a directive to all private hospitals nationwide. This directive mandates that private hospitals reserve at least 10% of their beds for dengue patients, providing free treatment including waiving doctors' consultation fees. Patients will only be responsible for the costs of medicines and meals. Additionally, hospitals are urged to offer discounts of up to 80% on diagnostic tests for dengue patients. The government also requires private hospitals to submit detailed reports on bed allocation, saline stock, and procurement plans within three days. Bangladesh>>> will not immediately launch a dengue vaccination program but will consult with international organizations like the World Health Organization>>> and UNICEF>>>. A three-month nationwide awareness campaign, including rallies in cities like Bangladesh — Dhaka North City Corporation>>> and Bangladesh — Dhaka South City Corporation>>>, will be launched to mobilize public participation in dengue prevention. Punitive measures will be taken against those failing to maintain cleanliness and allowing mosquito breeding.