Bangladesh has prepared a huge field hospital in three weeks to treat coronavirus patients in an attempt to fight the intensifying outbreak in the country.

Bangladesh has prepared a massive makeshift hospital to treat coronavirus patients
Bangladesh has prepared a massive makeshift hospital to treat coronavirus patients AFP / MUNIR UZ ZAMAN

The South Asian nation has reported nearly 18,000 infections and 269 deaths from COVID-19 despite a countrywide lockdown, but critics say the numbers are far lower than the true virus figures because of insufficient testing.

The new coronavirus field hospital has 2,084 beds, and can be expanded to 5,000 beds if the outbreak worsens
The new coronavirus field hospital has 2,084 beds, and can be expanded to 5,000 beds if the outbreak worsens AFP / MUNIR UZ ZAMAN

Only a handful of state-run hospitals in Bangladesh are currently treating coronavirus patients, and officials are hoping the new 2,084-bed facility in the capital Dhaka will help ease pressure on the country's healthcare infrastructure.

More than 250 people worked around the clock to build the facility in three weeks
More than 250 people worked around the clock to build the facility in three weeks AFP / MUNIR UZ ZAMAN

"If we can manage necessary manpower, we will be able to provide much better service in this isolation centre," the hospital's director Ehsanul Haq told AFP on Wednesday, referring to the more than 4,000 healthcare workers needed before it can start operations.

Bangladesh has set up a makeshift hospital with over 2,000 beds in about three weeks as it steps up its fight against the coronavirus.The country has over 17,800 cases of the virus and more than 260 deaths.
Bangladesh has set up a makeshift hospital with over 2,000 beds in about three weeks as it steps up its fight against the coronavirus.The country has over 17,800 cases of the virus and more than 260 deaths. AFPTV / Sam JAHAN

The 2,084-bed Bashundhara Convention Centre Grid Hospital (BCCGH) comprises three convention centres and a large temporary structure at a 2.5 million square-foot compound lent by the Bashundhara Group, one of the largest private companies in Bangladesh.

With fears rising in Bangladesh about a massive spike in cases, the hospital's ability to more than double its capacity to 5,000 beds is likely to prove useful to authorities.

Alam said 250 people "worked 24/7" to help build the 290 million taka ($3.4 million) facility in three weeks.

Coronavirus