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Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain has said a large number of hospitals have mushroomed across the country over the past 17 years, creating serious problems in the healthcare sector.
“It is not possible to resolve in a day the problems that have accumulated over 17 years. The issues will be identified and addressed gradually,” he said.
The minister made the remarks while visiting the home of Kanika Rani Mondal, who died after allegedly receiving negligent treatment, in Baghutia village of Baliakandi upazila in Rajbari around 9:30am on Friday (August 21).
Sakhawat said medical negligence would not be tolerated under any circumstances. If an investigation establishes anyone’s involvement in negligence, strict action will be taken according to the law, he said.
A five-member committee was formed on Thursday night on the instructions of the Health Ministry to investigate the incident. The committee has been asked to submit its report within five working days, after which necessary action will be taken, the minister said.
He said the death of a mother due to negligence was unacceptable and that he had visited the bereaved family to express his sympathy. The government would stand by the family, he added.
Kanika allegedly died after surgical gauze and bandages were left inside her abdomen following a Caesarean section at a private hospital in Faridpur. She died about 51 days after the operation.
Kanika was admitted to Jhiltuni Samarita General Hospital in Faridpur city on June 29 after falling ill. She underwent a Caesarean section under the supervision of physician Lakshmi Rani Dutta that evening and gave birth to a baby girl.
The following day, Kanika developed abdominal swelling and severe pain. Her family informed the doctor, but the physician allegedly failed to take appropriate action.
She was later admitted to Ibn Sina Hospital in Kallyanpur, Dhaka. After a series of tests, doctors reportedly detected surgical gauze and bandages inside her abdomen.
Kanika died while undergoing treatment at around 2am on August 19.
During his visit, Health Minister Sakhawat handed Tk50,000 from his personal fund to the grieving family. He also pledged that the government would bear the full expenses of raising the child, who has lost her mother.
Rajbari Deputy Commissioner Afroza Parvin, Rajbari Civil Surgeon SM Masud, Faridpur Civil Surgeon Mahmudul Hasan, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Chowdhury Mustafizur Rahman, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Faruk Hossain, government officials, political leaders and local residents were present during the visit.
