A two-month-old infant died at Chatkhil Upazila Health Complex in Noakhali on Monday, following which relatives allegedly vandalised parts of the hospital over claims of medical negligence.
The incident took place between 3:15pm and 7:45pm. Chatkhil Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mizanur Rahman and Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdul Monnaf went to the hospital and brought the situation under control.
The infant, Fatema Hasan Rimi, was the daughter of Rabiul Hasan and Umme Salma of Munsimia Chowkidar Bari in Bhaktarpur, under Hatpukuriya Ghatlabag Union.
According to the family, Rimi, who was suffering from measles, was taken to the health complex around 2pm. The family showed the attending physician a medical report confirming the diagnosis.
The on-duty nurse subsequently administered an injection and saline to the infant. Her condition deteriorated shortly afterwards. When the family sought oxygen, they were reportedly told that the hospital had no oxygen supply. Rimi died around 3pm.
The infant’s mother, Umme Salma, alleged that her daughter died due to medical negligence and improper treatment by the doctor and nurse.
Hospital vandalised
Locals said relatives became agitated after learning of the infant’s death and vandalised parts of the hospital, both inside and outside the facility.
Police from Chatkhil police station went to the hospital and brought the situation under control. An inquest report was prepared.
The UNO and OC also spoke with the family and assured them that necessary action would be taken after an investigation into the allegations.
Hospital authorities' response
Dr Shahrin Akter, Chatkhil Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, said the infant had been ill for about a month and had received treatment at several hospitals before being brought to the health complex in critical condition.
She said the child received necessary treatment at the facility but died after aspirating breast milk into her airway while being breastfed by her mother during intravenous fluid administration.
Dr Shahrin said the child appeared to have pneumonia, although it had not been confirmed whether she had measles.
She said an investigation committee would be formed and further action would be taken based on its findings.
Regarding the vandalism, she said the infant’s relatives damaged parts of the hospital following the death. Authorities would also investigate whether anyone had instigated the incident, she added.
Chatkhil police station OC Abdul Monnaf said the hospital authorities had not yet filed a written complaint over the vandalism.
He said the infant’s family members had gone to the police station but had also not filed a written complaint.
UNO Mizanur Rahman said the Upazila Health Complex authorities had formed an investigation committee.
He said whether there was any medical negligence or third-party instigation would be determined after the committee submits its report.