An alleged settlement of Tk10 lakh has reportedly been reached between the family of an 11-year-old boy who died during surgery at a private hospital in Savar and the hospital authorities, following protests over the incident.

The agreement was reportedly reached on Tuesday night (October 21) at a restaurant in Savar’s Muktir Morh area, with local businessman Saiful Islam acting as a mediator, according to sources cited by The Business Standard.

However, the boy’s mother, Kona Akter, denied receiving any money when contacted by the newspaper.

The child, identified as Abraham, died during surgery at Abbas Specialized Hospital in the Ullail area of Savar municipality on Wednesday (October 21).

His family alleged that the surgery was performed without completing all the necessary preoperative examinations and accused the doctor and other medical staff of negligence.

Kona said she had taken her son to the hospital for treatment of nasal polyps and tonsil problems.

The doctor advised surgery and prescribed an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an echocardiogram before the procedure.

According to her, the ECG was conducted, but the echocardiogram could not be performed because no doctor was available.

She alleged that the doctor subsequently told her the echocardiogram was unnecessary and that the ECG results were satisfactory.

The child was taken to the operating theatre at around 11:30am.

About an hour and a half later, medical staff informed the family that he had developed complications and needed intensive care.

He was subsequently taken to Enam Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Following the incident, angry relatives vandalised the hospital’s reception area and several rooms, demanding justice.

After negotiations that continued into the night, the family reportedly decided not to file a case over the death.

Kona told police that she wanted to take her son’s body home without an autopsy.

Police said they had urged the family to lodge a complaint, but the family declined. The body was released after an inquest.

The reported settlement has raised questions about accountability in cases involving alleged medical negligence.

The allegations against the hospital and its medical staff have not been established through a formal investigation or judicial proceedings.

Source: The Business Standard, The Daily Star