Patient’s death sparks protest in Nilphamari

Local people formed a human chain at Kherkathi bazar in Domar upazila yesterday protesting death of a young woman allegedly due to wrong treatment at a private clinic.

They also demanded immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of owner of the clinic and its staffers.

The deceased was identified as Meghla Akhtar, 20, wife of Rabiul Islam of Paitkapara village in the upazila.

The victim’s husband Rabiul at the programme said Meghla was admitted to Seven Star Clinic with labour pain in the upazila headquarters on September 20.

The clinic staffers told him that Meghla needed caesarian operation as her condition was critical, he said.

In absence of clinic owner Dr Ainul Huq, staffers Ranjit, Nihar Ranjan and Zahid conducted operation on her with Ainul’s consent over cellphone, alleged Rabiul, adding, that she then gave birth to a baby girl.

“Around 12:15am, Meghla started bleeding and we informed the staffers about the matter and they informed us to wait there till morning,” said Rabiul.

But she was referred to Rangpur Medical College Hospital early in the morning as her condition worsened, he said, adding that Meghla later died on way to the hospital. 

Rabiul then filed a case with Domar Police Station, accusing the clinic owner and the three staffers.

Soon after filing of the case, the accused kept the clinic locked and fled away, he said.

“The accused are moving freely and giving threat to us,” alleged Rabiul.

Mostafizur Rahman, officer-in-charge of the police station, said they are trying their best to arrest the accused.

Civil Surgeon Ranjit Kumar Barman said a probe committee has been formed to investigate the incident and it has been asked to submit report within seven days.