Two patients die minutes after pre-surgery injection at SBMCH Barishal; nurses suspended

Two patients died following alleged negligence by on-duty nurses at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal today.

The deceased were identified as Helena Begum, 45, wife of the late Babul Hawlader of Sarsi village in Barishal, and Shefali Begum, 60, wife of Mannan Talukder from Dalbuganj village in Kalapara, Patuakhali.

The incident occurred around 8:30am at the female ward of ENT department, on the third floor of the hospital.

Relatives of the deceased said they would seek legal action over the deaths.

Sources at the hospital administration and family members said Helena was admitted on February 23 for treatment of thyroid complications, while Shefali was admitted on March 8 for a surgery to remove a tumour in her mouth.

Speaking to reporters, Monir, a relative of Helena, alleged that the patient was scheduled to undergo surgery at around 8:30am today. However, at about 7:00am, a nurse administered an injection that was meant to be used during anaesthesia. “Soon after receiving the injection, the patient suddenly reacted and died,” he said.

The family had already taken the body home and would pursue legal action after the burial, he said.

Meanwhile, Khadija Begum, daughter of Shefali Begum, said her mother was in stable condition but fell seriously ill shortly after nurses administered several injections in the morning for surgery.

“We immediately informed the nurses, but they paid no attention and took no steps to revive her. My mother died in front of our eyes. Only after her death did the nurses respond,” she said, demanding exemplary punishment for those responsible.

The allegations were brought against nurses Helen Adhikari and Molina Halder.

Helen Adhikari said she did not break open the injection vial, claiming it had been opened by nurse Molina Halder. “I only administered the injections to two patients. What happened to them is very unfortunate. In my 26-year career, such an incident has never occurred. A mistake has happened,” she said.

Molina Halder said the injections were administered according to the physician’s prescription before transferring the patients to the operation theatre. “When the patients’ condition deteriorated, we informed the doctor over phone and administered medicines as instructed,” she added.

Nursing supervisor Khadija Begum said the deaths of two patients in the same ward were “clearly a matter of negligence”.

Hospital Director Brig Gen Dr AKM Moshiul Munir said both patients were scheduled to undergo surgery today (March 15, 2026).

“There are certain medicines that must be administered before taking a patient to the operation theatre, while some must be given inside the theatre. Anaesthetic drugs cause changes in the body that require machine support,” he said.

“However, the nurses administered the drug in the ward before taking the patients to the operation theatre. As a result, the patients died shortly afterwards. This is medical negligence and a punishable offence,” he added.

He said the drug, “Nor Q”, should be given during or after administering anaesthesia and must be injected slowly while the patient is on the operating table.

A three-member investigation committee, headed by Assistant Professor Dr Aminul Haque, has been formed to investigate the incident.

Meanwhile, the hospital authorities suspended the two nurses for negligence, added the hospital director.