Legal action for Central Hospital over negligence: Health minister

Proper measures are being taken in accordance with the law over the death of Mahbuba Rahman Akhi due to alleged wrong treatment and negligence by the authorities at Central Hospital, said Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque.

The minister was talking to journalists after an event held at the National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSM) in Mohakhali on Sunday afternoon.

Expressing his sorrow over the incident, Minister Zahid Maleque said, "The incident at Central Hospital has deeply saddened us, where a mother and her newborn lost their lives."

He further revealed that a team has been dispatched to Central Hospital to investigate and compile a report on the deficiencies and overall situation at the facility. As a result, certain activities, including surgical operations, have been temporarily halted until the identified deficiencies are rectified. 

"We have initiated legal action against Central Hospital, and the matter is now entirely in the hands of the law," added Zahid Maleque.

He emphasized that all further measures will be taken in accordance with the law, underscoring the commitment to ensuring accountability and justice in this unfortunate incident.

Mahbuba Rahman Akhi passed away on Sunday at the cardiac care unit (CCU) of Labaid Hospital on Sunday.

The tragedy occurred when Mahbuba Rahman Akhi, who had been receiving gynaecological treatment from Professor Dr Sangjukta Saha at Central Hospital, was admitted under the doctor‍‍`s supervision due to labour pains on the night of June 9.

Despite assurances of a “normal” health condition and possibilities of normal delivery, things took a turn for the worst.  

When attempts for a natural birth failed, an emergency caesarean section was performed, resulting in the birth of a child who sadly passed away the following day.