Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, April 2, 2026 (BSS) - Rajshahi Medical College (RMCH) has increased Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity for children to cope with growing pressure.

RMCH spokesperson Dr Shankar K. Biswas said six beds from the geriatric ICU were added to the pediatric ICU, raising the total to 18. 

Of these, 12 beds are allocated for children with measles, while the remaining six will be used for other pediatric patients. 

Between Tuesday and Wednesday, three more children died with measles symptoms. As of Wednesday morning, a total of 117 children with measles symptoms were admitted to RMCH, while 56 more were waiting for ICU beds.

Dr Biswas said alternative measures have been taken to ease pressure on the ICU. Authorities have decided to temporarily use 10 ICU beds at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute in Rajshahi. 

One non-measles child has already been transferred there from RMCH, and the process of transferring more patients is ongoing.

He added that the treatment of transferred patients will be carried out under the supervision of RMCH doctors, nurses and staff, with full cooperation from the National Heart Foundation Hospital authorities.