Woman dies as gauze left in abdomen after operation, Minister vows action

Allegations have surfaced that a woman died after a gauze was left inside her abdomen following a caesarean section at a private hospital in Faridpur. Konika Mandal from Rajbari's Baliakandi died after being treated for about a month and a half. The Health Ministry has formed an investigation committee over the incident.

Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain visited Konika's residence in the Baghutia village of Baharpur Union, Baliakandi, on Friday, August 21, morning. He spoke with family members and listened to their account of the incident.

A five-member committee headed by Rajbari Civil Surgeon Dr S M Masud was formed on Thursday (August 20) night to investigate the matter. The Health Minister said strict action will be taken against those responsible if the allegations are proven.

Konika Mandal was the wife of Ashanta Mandal of Baghutia village. She underwent a caesarean section at Samorita Hospital in Faridpur on June 29. The family alleged that doctors left a gauze inside her abdomen after the operation. Her condition deteriorated, and she was taken to Ibn Sina Hospital in Dhaka, where she died on the night of August 19 while undergoing treatment.

Local political leaders and activists, along with many others, gathered at Konika's residence on Friday ahead of the Health Minister's visit. The house was filled with a sombre atmosphere. On the veranda, Konika's sister Deepika Biswas broke down in tears, holding Konika's one-and-a-half-month-old baby in her arms. Konika's two other children were also present.

Konika's husband, Ashanta Mandal, alleged that Dr Laxmi Rani Dutta had left the gauze inside his wife's abdomen during the operation. Her condition worsened, and she was later admitted to a hospital in Dhaka, where she died.

Konika's son, Partha Mandal, said the loss of his mother cannot be compensated. He demanded action against the doctor involved and the closure of the hospital to prevent such incidents in the future.

Local residents also expressed outrage, demanding a neutral investigation, punishment for the culprits and assistance for the affected family.

Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain said a five-member committee has been formed to investigate the allegations. The committee has been asked to submit its report within five working days. If the allegations are proven, strict action will be taken against those responsible.