Dr Swapnil's registration with BMDC cancelled over death of patient

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has directed to cancel the registration of Professor Dr Mamun Al Mahtab Swapnil, a physician of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), after his negligence in treatment was found in the death of Engineer Afsar Ahmed two years ago.

At the same time, the ministry directed to take punitive measures against LabAid Hospital at Dhanmondi in the capital.

On January 16 last, the Health Services Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare directed the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) and the Directorate of Health sending a letter to take necessary steps in this regard. The copy of the letter reached Afsar Ahmed's family on Tuesday.

The letter, signed by Sharaban Tohura, deputy secretary of the Health Services Division, was sent to the BMDC's registrar. The letter states:  "There are allegations that Local Government and Engineering Department's (LGED) Engr Afsar Ahmed died while underwent endoscopy at LabAid Hospital at Dhanmondi under Professor Dr Mamun Al Mahtab Swapnil. The inquiry committee constituted by the Directorate of Health submitted a probe report in this regard. Based on the recommendation of the report, it is being directed to cancel the registration of  Professor Dr Mamun Al Mahtab Swapnil with the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council and inform it to the ministry concerned."

In another letter sent to the Director General of Health Services Professor Dr Md Abu Zafar, the ministry states that there are allegation that LGED Engr Afsar Ahmed died while underwent endoscopy at LabAid Hospital at Dhanmondi under Professor Dr Mamun Al Mahtab Swapnil.

It may be mentioned that Professor Dr Mamun Al Mahtab Swapnil is a hepatologist and head of the Division of Interventional Hepatology at BSMMU. He is currently associated with Anwer Khan Modern Hospital Limited and Labaid Specialized Hospital, Dhanmondi. He also serves at Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Hospital as a specialist hepatologist and gastroenterologist and at Labaid Specialized Hospital, Dhanmondi as a liver and liver cancer specialist and interventional endoscopist divisional head.

In May 2021, a Dhaka court ordered an investigation into allegations of negligence against three doctors, including Mamun Al Mahtab, leading to the death of another physician, Toufiq Enam. Physiotherapist Aktaruzzaman Mia filed a case with the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court regarding the death of his son, Enam, on 30 May while undergoing treatment at BRB Hospital.