Postpartum mother could not be saved even after going to three hospitals, hospital gheraoed with body

Allegations of wrong surgery have been raised against a private hospital centering the death of postpartum mother Popi Akter in Brahmanpara of Cumilla. Relatives and locals staged a protest by gheraoing Al Baraka Hospital with Popi’s body on Friday morning. Later police went and brought the situation under control. A five-member investigation committee has been formed in this incident.

The deceased Popi Akter was 21 years old. She was the daughter of Md Moslem Uddin of Sahebabad village under Sahebabad union of Brahmanpara upazila. She was married to Md Mohon Mia of Takai Ahid Sarkar Bari of the same union.

According to the relatives, Popi was taken to Al Baraka Hospital at the upazila headquarters on September 4 when labour pain started. The hospital was previously known as Vision Hospital. Popi’s child was delivered through surgery there. On September 7 Popi and her newborn child were given discharge from the hospital.

The relatives alleged that Popi’s physical condition started deteriorating from after returning home. When she was taken to Al Baraka Hospital again on September 15 the doctor cut the stitches of the surgery site. They claimed that she was then advised to go home saying there was no problem.

The next day at dawn on September 16 when Popi’s physical condition deteriorated further she was taken to Cumilla Medical College Hospital. The relatives claimed that the doctors there seeing her condition as critical again decided on surgery.

After the surgery Popi was advised to be taken to the intensive care unit. However, as there was no vacant bed in the intensive care unit of Cumilla Medical College Hospital she was taken to a private hospital in Cumilla city. Popi Akter died while under treatment there at dawn on Friday.

Later taking Popi’s body from that hospital the relatives and local people went to Al Baraka Hospital and staged a protest. Getting the news Brahmanpara thana police went to the spot, brought the situation under control and advised both sides to remain calm. Later a decision was taken through a local arbitration meeting to bury Popi’s body.

Popi’s relatives alleged that her death occurred due to wrong surgery at Al Baraka Hospital. They demanded a proper investigation of the incident and measures against those responsible.

Officer-in-Charge of Brahmanpara Police Station Md Faruk Hossain said getting the news of uproar at Al Baraka Hospital police went to the spot and brought the situation under control. Both sides have been advised to remain calm. No written complaint has been received so far. If a complaint is received measures will be taken subject to investigation.

Residential Medical Officer of Brahmanpara Upazila Health Complex Md Monirul Islam said verbal directives have been given from Cumilla Medical College Hospital to investigate the matter. According to that directive a five-member investigation committee has been formed. After the investigation necessary measures will be taken against Al Baraka Hospital.