The lack of basic facilities was not the only major challenge faced by the 250-Bed District Hospital in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, because there was only one ambulance available to shuttle thousands of Rohingya refugees who needed treatment at the hospital.

The Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail witnessed the actual situation when visiting the hospital on Sunday in the Cox's Bazar district, about 300km from the capital Dhaka.

Tuanku Syed Faizuddin, who is also the Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPs) president, was heading a delegation of non-government organisations (NGO) to visit the hospital and have a closer look at refugees being treated at the hospital.

The delegation would be at Cox's Bazar until Monday before heading to Dhaka on Tuesday and Wednesday.

According to a statement from MAIPS, he was touched by the situation when briefed by specialist surgeon at the hospital, Dr Pu Chaw Nu who said the most pressing need was for ambulances since only one was available compared to the demand from thousands of patients.

In addition, support staff such as medical assistants and doctors were inadequate and the limited beds forced the hospital to place patients on the floor.

According to Dr Pu the hospital desperately needed aid from all quarters for more appropriate facilities as it involved the lives of the refugees who entered Bangladesh on a daily basis.

Operation theatres were also limited and only basic equipment was available and could not be used for more complicated surgery, he said.

Meanwhile, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin said MAIPs was prepared to assist parties who are keen to volunteer to help the 500,000 refugees.

-- BERNAMA