Newborn dies at mother and child centre on Sir Iqbal Road in Khulna: family alleges doctor's negligence, window panes smashed
A newborn baby has died in Khulna amid allegations of negligence by a doctor. The incident took place on Wednesday (October 28) at the Mother and Child Welfare Centre on Sir Iqbal Road in the city.
According to the family's allegation, expectant mother Farhana was admitted to the centre at around 10pm on Tuesday after labour pains began. Although a normal delivery had been mentioned at the time, the family alleges that after 1am the doctor on duty fell asleep and no one could be found.
The family says that when the patient's condition deteriorated at around 1:30am, no one responded. Later, at around 8:30am, an aide attempted to deliver the baby, and the newborn died.
As news of the child's death spread, relatives and local people became agitated and smashed several window panes of the Mother and Child Welfare Centre. Police reached the scene on receiving the news and brought the situation under control.
The newborn's uncle, Saidul Islam, alleged that his sister's child died because of extreme negligence by the doctors. Claiming that such incidents had happened there before, he demanded a proper investigation and justice.
No doctor was found at the scene. An official of the centre, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the patient's expected delivery date was still a month away. He said she had been looked after during the night but could not give a clear answer as to exactly why the baby died. The situation was later settled locally.
Lokman Hossain Ripon, officer-in-charge of Sadar police station, said police visited the scene after receiving news of the vandalism. Legal action will be taken if a written complaint is filed.
