Newborn’s death sparks allegations of medical negligence

Ulipur (Kurigram) Correspondent :

In Ulipur, Kurigram, allegations have arisen that a newborn died due to medical negligence, during which the mother’s uterus was surgically removed. In protest against this incident, a human chain was organized on Tuesday evening at Masjidul Huda Mor, Ulipur town, under the banner of Concerned Student Groups.

Speakers at the human chain included the newborn’s maternal grandmother Rubina Begum, student leader Nazmul Hasan, Monir Hossain, Sarfaraj Sourav, Asaduzzaman Asad, Romeo Hasan, and others. They demanded that the administration investigate all irregularities at Ulipur Doctors Community Clinic and other clinics. They called for exemplary punishment for all doctors, nurses, staff, and owners of the clinic, and urged that any clinics involved in blood trade, including the Doctors Clinic, be closed. Additionally, they demanded appropriate compensation for the affected family.

It is reported that on 20 October, Bithi Khatun, wife of Belal Bokshi from the Narkelbari area of the municipality, was admitted to Ulipur Doctors Community Clinic for childbirth. The newborn was delivered that night. During the procedure, the mother’s uterus was removed and 12 stitches were applied. When the newborn experienced breathing difficulties, the baby was referred to Rangpur Medical College Hospital the next day (21 October), where the newborn died while under treatment.

On 24 October evening, the newborn’s father, Belal Bokshi, filed a complaint with Ulipur Police Station seeking justice.

Dr. Lokman Hakim, Director of Ulipur Doctors Community Clinic, stated that it was the mother’s first child and the family had requested not to perform a cesarean section. As a result, the baby was delivered through a uterine operation.

When the newborn experienced breathing difficulties, he was sent to Rangpur for advanced treatment, where he later died. The matter, including the mother’s treatment, was discussed with the family and resolved amicably. Currently, a third-party human chain has been organized, allegedly for maintaining the clinic’s reputation and for unrelated local disputes. They also claim that the allegations of medical negligence are not true.

Ulipur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Zillur Rahman said that police were immediately sent after receiving the complaint and advised the victims to seek advanced treatment. He added that both parties reportedly reached a settlement. Since the human chain was organized around this incident, further investigation will be conducted, and legal action will be taken accordingly.