A BNP leader died after being bitten by a snake in Galachipa upazila of Patuakhali on Saturday, with his family alleging that he was referred to Patuakhali without being administered antivenom at the local health complex.
The deceased was identified as Zakir Hossain Mridha, 45, son of Fazlul Karim Mridha of Kalikapur village in Galachipa Sadar Union. He was the general secretary of Ward No 1 BNP in the union.
The incident occurred around 7:30am when Jakir was having tea at home. A snake bit him on a toe of his left foot. After spotting the snake, he informed his wife and family members quickly took him to Galachipa Upazila Health Complex.
According to the hospital register, Zakir was admitted at around 7:45am. His family alleged that he was referred to Patuakhali without being given antivenom or adequate treatment.
His elder brother and former union parishad member, Abdul Awad Mridha, alleged that no treatment was provided at the hospital.
“My brother might have survived if he had been given antivenom. We demand a proper investigation into why he was referred without receiving antivenom or necessary treatment,” he said.
Ambulance driver Md Jewel said Zakir was conscious when they left for Patuakhali and that there was no delay on the way. However, doctors at a Patuakhali hospital declared him dead upon arrival.
Explaining the decision not to administer antivenom, attending physician Jannatul Naim Tanha said zakir was brought to the hospital in critical condition, with very high blood pressure and heart rate.
“Considering the possibility of a cardiac problem, we consulted senior physicians and decided not to administer antivenom before referring him to Patuakhali,” she said.
Galachipa Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Md Mezbah Uddin said the health complex had 40 vials of antivenom in stock but it was not administered because Zakir had breathing difficulties, high blood pressure and was in critical condition.
“Based on his initial symptoms, it was not possible to determine whether he had been bitten by a venomous snake. After consulting a senior consultant, the attending physician decided to refer him to Patuakhali for better treatment,” he said.
Mezbah added that the hospital would investigate any complaint from the family and take necessary action if needed.
Meanwhile, Zakir’s family and local residents have demanded an investigation into whether antivenom was required, whether the doctors’ decision was appropriate given his condition and why the medicine was not administered.
Abdul Qaiyum, director of Animal Lovers of Patuakhali, claimed that Zakir had symptoms consistent with a venomous snakebite and should have been kept at the hospital for treatment rather than being referred elsewhere.
He said breathing difficulties and a sensation of the throat closing can be symptoms of venomous snakebite and argued that emergency supportive care should have been provided if the patient’s breathing was failing.