Legal notice served to Bangladesh Eye Hospital over child's loss of vision

A legal notice has been served to Bangladesh Eye Hospital and several of its doctors, accusing them of medical negligence that allegedly resulted in the permanent loss of vision in the right eye of a four-year-old child.

The notice was issued on Tuesday by Advocate Mubinul Islam on behalf of Md Saiful Islam, father of the child, Abrar Hossain Evan. It demands either immediate arrangements for advanced treatment abroad within 15 days or compensation amounting to Tk1 crore.

The legal notice names the hospital's Chairman Dr Mahbubur Rahman Chowdhury, Managing Director Dr Niaz Abdur Rahman, Paediatric Ophthalmology Consultant Dr Kazi Sabbir Anwar, and Vitreo-Retina Specialist Dr Irene Hossain.

According to the notice, Evan had been suffering from poor vision in his right eye since birth. On 31 July 2022, he was brought to the Bangladesh Eye Hospital’s Dhanmondi branch, where doctors diagnosed a cataract and recommended surgery with lens implantation.

The operation was carried out the following day by Dr Kazi Sabbir Anwar. However, complications reportedly arose during the procedure. The family claims that a subsequent evaluation by Dr Irene Hossain revealed the retina had been cut during surgery a claim central to the allegations of medical negligence.

Over the next several months, Evan underwent multiple surgeries two within a month of the initial operation and another in April 2023. A fifth procedure was advised for May, but the child's father declined further intervention, expressing concern over the treatment approach.

The notice states that the repeated surgeries led to severe physical suffering, including continuous pain, shrinking of the eye, and persistent fluid discharge. Ultimately, Evan lost all vision in his right eye.

Seeking a second opinion, Saiful Islam consulted a specialist at Hikmah Eye Hospital, who reportedly advised against further surgery, stating that the eye was permanently damaged.

The notice alleges that the initial surgery was performed negligently and that subsequent operations were unnecessary, causing prolonged suffering and trauma for the child and his family.

In addition to the alleged medical negligence, the family claims to have suffered financial hardship and emotional distress. While acknowledging that the damage is beyond monetary compensation, the notice demands Tk1 crore in redress or the arrangement of treatment abroad.

The hospital has been asked to respond within 15 days, either by initiating overseas treatment, compensating the family, or negotiating a settlement.