Case filed against hospital director, 10 others over patient death at National Heart Institute

A case has been filed against Professor Dr Abdul Wadud Chowdhury, director of the National Heart Institute and Hospital, along with ten other individuals, over the death of a patient named Zinnat Ali who was undergoing treatment at the facility.

The case was filed on Thursday, May 14, by the deceased’s son, Abu Hurayra. The Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Dhaka took cognizance of the case and ordered the Officer-in-Charge of Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station to submit an investigation report by June 16.

Other accused include Dr S M F Nirob Hossain, Executive Director of Hridoy General Hospital; Dr Sirajul; ward boys Shahid, Ashik, and Saimul; Mashiur Rahman Lovlu; and Junaed, the manager and assistant manager of the hospital.

According to the case statement, the victim was referred from Manikganj General Hospital to the National Heart Institute. Upon admission to the CCU on February 26, a ward boy allegedly insisted the patient had a head problem, not a heart issue, and suggested immediate transfer to a nearby private facility.

Following the transfer to the private hospital, the family alleges they were charged exorbitant fees. When they tried to leave without paying the demanded amount, they were allegedly detained and assaulted, and the patient’s treatment was halted. After managing to raise the funds, the patient was readmitted to the National Heart Institute’s CCU, where doctors reportedly noted improper prior treatment. The patient died later that afternoon.

The case statement also alleges that the family was beaten and forcibly removed from the hospital when they tried to file a complaint on February 28.