Netrokona hospital vandalized over ‘medical negligence’

A tense situation has arisen at the 250-bed Netrokona District Hospital over the death of an easybike rider. Relatives and locals vandalized the hospital’s emergency department alleging that ‘the death was due to the negligence of doctors’. Later, the situation was brought under control with the intervention of the police and locals. The hospital authorities have denied the allegations.
The incident took place at around 9:45 pm on Sunday (July 12). The deceased Sajeeb Mia (23) is the son of Shukur Ali of the Amgachtala area of ​​Netrokona Municipality. He was an easybike rider by profession.
The relatives of the deceased alleged that Sajeeb was taken to the emergency department of the district hospital yesterday evening with stomach pain and vomiting. Later, despite his deteriorating physical condition, the on-duty doctor Sujan Pal delayed providing proper treatment on the pretext of lack of electricity. At one point, he died while undergoing treatment at the hospital.
When the news of the death spread, relatives and locals gathered at the hospital. At one point, they got angry and vandalized the emergency department. As a result, several windows and a door of the emergency department and the diarrhea ward next door were damaged. On receiving the news, the police reached the spot and brought the situation under control. Later, with the help of locals, the agitated relatives were calmed down.
At that time, the hospital’s Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Mazharul Amin went to the spot and investigated the allegations of medical negligence and assured to take necessary action. However, the hospital authorities denied the allegations of medical negligence.
When asked about this, Mazharul Amin told Jugantor that there was no electricity in the hospital since Sunday evening. Medical services were being provided through a generator. When the patient was brought to the hospital at 8:08 pm, his ECG was immediately done. The test showed that he had suffered a heart attack. Since his condition was serious, it was decided to send him to the Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment and his relatives were informed about the matter. However, he died while preparing to be referred. Then, relatives and locals came to the hospital and vandalized it.
Hospital Superintendent Ekramul Hasan told Jugantor that there was no electricity in the hospital. Despite repeated calls to the PDB Executive Engineer, no response was received. The situation surrounding the patient’s death is currently normal. An investigation is underway to find out whether there was any negligence in the treatment. If the allegations are true, necessary action will be taken.
Although the mobile phone of in-charge doctor Sujan Pal was called several times to inquire about the allegations, it was switched off. Netrokona Model Police Station OC Abul Khair said that the situation is currently calm. Legal action will be taken if a written complaint is received in this regard.