Negligence allegations: Three suspended at National Medical Institute Hospital

Three individuals, including a doctor, have been temporarily suspended from Dhaka National Medical Institute Hospital which was rocked by clashes among students from 50 institutions over a peer’s death.

Deputy Director (Administration) Dr Muhammad Rezaul Haque shared the information at a press conference at the hospital on Tuesday, reoorts bdnews24.com.

He said, "The hospital authorities have formed an 11-member investigation committee with specialist doctors.

“For the sake of the investigation, one doctor and two nurses from the Intensive Care Unit, or ICU, have been suspended."

The suspended staff include ICU Medical Officer Mahima Akter Shifa and Senior Staff Nurses Asma Nila and Sujan Kumar Saha.

Rezaul said, "False allegations are being levelled against the hospital that the patient died due to the negligence of the doctor. However, an investigation is ongoing.

"The investigation committee's report will reveal whether there were any shortcomings in the hospital."

“To ensure fairness, the committee has included an expert doctor nominated by the complainants.”

On Nov 18, Abhijit Howlader, a student of Dr Mahbubur Rahman Mollah College, or DMRC, passed away while receiving treatment for dengue at the hospital.

His platelets had dropped critically, and his family reportedly attempted to transfer him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital the day before his death.

However, Abhijit's classmates alleged that the hospital authorities refused permission for the transfer.

At the press conference, the hospital's Director Prof Iffat Ara read out a written statement. “Some vested quarters are trying to falsely blame the hospital. It has become a trend to accuse doctors and medical staff of negligence whenever a patient dies,” she said.

“For a doctor, treating patients is akin to worship. In Abhijit’s case, there was no deviation.

“The doctors did their utmost. Yet, they continue to face false accusations, which is deeply unfortunate,” the director added.

Abhijit’s classmates alleged that he died due to "medical negligence". They further claimed the hospital withheld his body to demand payment.

When students came to collect the body and found no resolution, they began protesting, leading to police intervention.

Addressing the allegations, Rezaul remarked: “The claim that the body was withheld for payment of Tk 10,000 for ambulance expenses is completely untrue.

“The patient’s family was poor, and their ICU bill of Tk 36,400 was waived on humanitarian grounds. Can a death be concealed for just Tk 10,000?

“The Tk 10,000 was only suggested as ambulance expenses, considering the family’s situation. Unfortunately, this has been misrepresented.”

On Nov 20, Mollah College students protested at the hospital, accusing it of negligence.

The following day, students from Shaheed Suhrawardy College and Kabi Nazrul Government College attacked them, leaving scores injured.

Regarding these allegations, Prof Iffat commented: "The investigation remains incomplete due to the lack of cooperation from DMRC’s student representative.”

In response to the violence, a blockade was organised on Sunday, following the Nov 21 clashes.

As part of the 'Super Sunday' protests, students from various colleges, including Mollah College, vandalised the hospital and nearby Suhrawardy College.

Prof Iffat said, “On Nov 24, around midday, approximately 1,000 to 1,500 students, led by Mollah College, vandalised the hospital’s administrative office, outpatient department, emergency department, dental department, and pathology department.

“They destroyed the cash counter, looted cash, and even vandalised the Pubali Bank branch inside the hospital, which serves both domestic and international students, patients, and staff.”

She estimated the damage at approximately Tk 100 million.

The following day, students of Shaheed Suhrawardy College and Kabi Nazrul Government College organised a 'Mega Monday' protest in response to the attack.

When they marched to Mollah College on Demra Road, clashes broke out, lasting nearly two hours and leaving over 100 students injured.

Mollah College also faced significant damage, with vandalism and looting reported.

Principal Obaidullah Nayan estimated losses at Tk 500 million and announced plans to file a case on Tuesday.