Woman allegedly assaulted seeking information on dengue tests at government hospitals

A woman was allegedly assaulted by several suspected touts while seeking information about dengue testing at the 250-bed Chapainawabganj District Hospital.

The woman, Kaniza Afroze, sustained an injury to her head and received three stitches after being treated at the hospital’s emergency department.

The incident took place in front of the hospital’s emergency department on Wednesday afternoon. Kaniza is a resident of the Balubagan area of Chapainawabganj municipality.

According to Kaniza, she went to the hospital’s outpatient department to inquire about treatment and diagnostic tests for her son, who had a fever suspected to be dengue. When she asked whether a complete blood count (CBC) test was available there, several people nearby allegedly verbally abused her and her son.

She said the men later pressured them to leave the hospital and have the test done at a private clinic.

Kaniza said she wanted to first confirm whether the test was available at the government hospital. However, the men allegedly tried to force her out of the hospital. At one point, they assaulted her with plastic pipes, rods and other objects, causing a serious injury to her head.

“I only wanted to know whether CBC testing is available here. Then several people tried to force me out of the hospital. I told them I wanted to get the information first. They said the test was not available here and that I would have to go to a clinic. When I refused to go, they assaulted me. We screamed for help, but no one came forward to assist us,” Kaniza said.

Kaniza alleged that suspected touts have significant influence at the government hospital and routinely try to persuade patients and their relatives to seek treatment or diagnostic services at private clinics and diagnostic centres.

She alleged that she was assaulted after objecting to their actions and demanded that those involved be identified and punished.

Hospital Resident Medical Officer Dr Mahbub Hasan acknowledged the incident. He said the incident occurred because no responsible hospital employee was present at the spot and no one intervened.

He said the hospital authorities were trying to identify those involved and would assist the injured woman if she wished to take legal action.

However, Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ikramul Hossain said no complaint had yet been filed with the police.

“We have not received any information about an assault at the hospital. If a complaint is filed, legal action will be taken,” he said.