Health Minister promises strict action following death of patient caused by medical negligence in Rajbari

Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain has pledged strict action against medical negligence following the death of 35-year-old Kanika Mondol in Baliakandi, Rajbari. The minister visited the victim’s family in Baghutia village on Friday morning, providing 50,000 taka in personal financial assistance and promising a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Kanika Mondol died late Wednesday night after suffering complications for nearly a month and a half. Her family alleges that the medical tragedy began during a cesarean section performed by Dr. Lakshmi Rani Dutta at Samarita Hospital in Faridpur on June 29. Following the procedure, Kanika’s condition deteriorated, and after being transferred to Ibn Sina Hospital in Dhaka, surgeons discovered a surgical gauze left inside her abdomen. Although a follow-up surgery was performed on July 7 to remove the foreign object, she succumbed to her complications after weeks of intensive care.

In response to the incident, the Ministry of Health has established a five-member probe committee, which has been tasked with submitting a formal report within five working days. Minister Hossain emphasized that the government maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding medical negligence and vowed that those found responsible would face legal consequences.

Addressing the broader issue of unregulated medical facilities, the minister noted that authorities are intensifying crackdowns on clinics operating without proper licenses, environmental certifications, or adequate labor room facilities. He acknowledged the proliferation of private clinics over the last 17 years, stating that the government is actively cancelling licenses and shutting down facilities where irregularities are uncovered.

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The victim’s husband, Ashanta Mondol, expressed his profound distress, noting that the family incurred more than 20 lakh taka in medical expenses during Kanika’s treatment. He now faces the challenge of raising their three children alone following his wife’s death.

Local officials, including Rajbari Deputy Commissioner Afroza Parvin, Civil Surgeon S.M. Masud, and Baliakandi Upazila Nirbahi Officer Chowdhury Mustafizur Rahman, accompanied the minister during his visit. The probe committee is expected to provide findings that will determine the next course of administrative and legal actions.