Tensions over maternal death, hospital vandalism and protests

A pregnant woman named Ruma Akhter (25) has allegedly died due to wrong treatment in Sreepur, Gazipur. Later, the pregnant woman’s relatives vandalized the hospital extensively. The incident took place on Sunday (March 8) morning at Live Care Hospital in Mawna Chowrasta of the upazila. The deceased Ruma Akhter (25) is the wife of Md. Manik Mia, a resident of Herapatka village in Sreepur upazila. She is the daughter of Md. Abdur Rashid of Ujilab village in Sreepur Municipality.
The relatives of the deceased said that Ruma Akhter was admitted to Live Care Hospital in Mawna Chowrasta for delivery at around 11 am yesterday. She gave birth to a boy through a cesarean section. After eating sehri this morning, her stomach suddenly swelled and her physical condition deteriorated. The hospital authorities sent her to Uttara Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment on an emergency basis. The relatives alleged that she died on the way.
When this news spread, the relatives of the deceased and local people were angry and vandalized Live Care Hospital around 7 am today. The attackers vandalized the hospital’s entrance, pharmacy, waiting room, reception, doctors’ rooms, various wards, operation theater, equipment and various equipment. Fearing for their lives, the hospital staff fled after the attack. The relatives are protesting by leaving the body in the ambulance.
Upon receiving information, the Assistant Commissioner (Land), Upazila Health Officer and Sreepur Police reached the spot and brought the situation under control. The child’s father Manik Mia alleged that his wife died due to wrong treatment and negligence by the hospital authorities.
Hospital manager Azaharul Islam Parvez said on his mobile phone that Dr. Rajshri Bhowmik of Ashulia Women and Children’s Center, Gynecologist Dr. Rajshri Bhowmik performed the operation and Dr. Rejuan performed anesthesia. When the patient’s condition deteriorated, he was sent to Dhaka. The patient died there. Later, the relatives attacked the hospital with the body, causing widespread vandalism and looting. The attackers vandalized the operation theater from the ground floor to the third floor, causing a loss of about 1.5 crore taka. They looted 20 lakh taka in cash. They beat and injured the hospital staff. Upazila Health Officer Dr. Md. Shafiqul Islam said that a three-member investigation committee has been formed. This committee will submit a report within seven working days. After visiting the hospital, Upazila Government Commissioner (Land) Md. Saidul Islam said that the allegations are true. No one from the hospital authorities was found. The newborn has been sent elsewhere for better treatment. The hospital has been sealed.