Dhaka, April 27 -- Although the Directorate General of Health Services has ordered that no hospital in Bangladesh turn away measles patients or those showing symptoms, the reality on the ground appears far more complicated.

Hospital chiefs at several major facilities say it is impossible to expand bed capacity overnight, as doing so requires space, oxygen support, equipment and additional staff.

They insist, however, that efforts are being made to ensure patients are not refused treatment.

Public health experts say simply increasing bed numbers will not be enough.

They argue that the government must declare a public health emergency to tackle the outbreak effectively.

On Sunday, 6-month-old Cynthia was brought to the DNCC Hospital in...