HC wants to know number of negligence-related deaths in United hospitals over 15 years

The High Court on Sunday sought a list of patients who died at the hospitals of United Group due to medical negligence in the last 15 years.

A High Court bench Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice Md Atabullah issued the order. 

The Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has been asked to submit a report in this regard within three months. 

At the same time, the High Court asked Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Tushar Kanti Roy to submit the probe report on the death of five-year-old Ayan by filing an affidavit on Monday.

Earlier in the day, the DGHS submitted the 15-page probe report through the DAG before the bench in compliance with its January 15 directive.

According to the report, the child was given a nebulizer and inhaler in the waiting room before the circumcision surgery. This matter was not informed to the doctors.

The report also mentioned that Ayan had normal bleeding during the surgery. 

In addition, the same report made four recommendations to avoid the risk of death during circumcision.

These are – appointing more than one anesthesiologist in the hospital, informing the patient and his relatives well about the risks of anesthesia and surgery, keeping the ICU system in the hospital, and starting the operation of the hospital after the approval of the government.

Earlier on January 15, the High Court issued an order asking to know the number of people who have died while being treated at United Medical College Hospital in Satarkul of Dhaka and United Hospital.

The court also issued a ruling asking why the family of Ayan, who died after being put on general anaesthesia during circumcision at United Medical College Hospital, should not receive Tk5 crore in compensation.

The court ordered an investigation into the death of Ayan Ahmed seeking a report within seven days and wanted a list of all licensed and unregistered private hospitals in the country within one month.

Earlier, a writ was filed in the High Court seeking a directive for Tk1 crore in compensation for the family of Ayan.

The writ sought the cancellation of the certification of the doctors who had treated Ayan and action against the hospital authorities.

On January 9, Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Shahjahan Akand Masum filed this writ in the public interest.

Ayan’s father, Shamim Ahmed, claimed that his child died as a result of inappropriate care while on life support at United Hospital between December 31 and January 7.

According to sources, Dr Sabbir Ahmed administered anaesthesia to the child, while Dr Mehjabeen conducted the surgery.