Health minister visits Rajbari family after woman's death from 'medical negligence'

A surgeon allegedly stitched up the abdomen of a woman leaving surgical gauze inside during a caesarean section at a private hospital in Faridpur, leading to her death after nearly six weeks of medical care.

Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain visited the victim’s home in Rajbari's Baliakandi Upazila on Friday to offer condolences to the family following the tragedy involving Konika Mondal.

The minister said a five-member investigation panel was formed on Thursday night to probe the incident, pledging strict action against those responsible if the allegations are substantiated.

Konika, wife of Ashanta Mondal from Baghutia village in Baharpur Union, passed away after prolonged treatment after the “surgical error”.

At the scene, local political figures had also gathered at Konika's home following news of the health adviser's visit. Despite the crowd, the household remained steeped in grief.

On the veranda, Konika's sister Dipika Biswas Dipa sat cradling the woman's 1-and-a-half-month-old baby, weeping, while Konika's two other children stood nearby. 

Konika's husband said Dr Lakshmi Rani Dutta had stitched up his wife's abdomen with a gauze piece left inside on Jun 29. 

Her condition later deteriorated, prompting her admission to Ibn Sina Hospital in Dhaka, where she died on the night of Aug 19 while undergoing treatment.

Her son Partha Mondal said, "My mother is gone, and nothing can undo that loss. So that no other mother dies this way, I'm demanding that the hospital be shut down and the doctor be punished."

Konika's death has stirred anger among villagers, who are demanding a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible.

Local resident Soleman Biswas said, "Doctors these days are no better than butchers. All they think about is cutting people open for money. 

“I demand punishment for the doctor responsible for what happened to Konika, and I urge the government to make sure nothing like this happens again anywhere in the country."

Another resident, Moslem Khan, said: "This has left the family financially ruined. We want this family to be properly compensated. 

Minister Sakhawat said the probe committee was directed to submit its findings within five working days, reiterating that those found guilty will face severe consequences.