Health minister visits bereaved family, assures probe

RAJBARI, Aug 21: Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Mohammad Sakhawat Hossain has visited the family of Kanika Mondal, a woman who died while undergoing treatment at a Dhaka hospital after giving birth at a private hospital in Faridpur.

Kanika, 35, wife of Prashanta Mondal of Baghutia Village in Baharpur Union under Baliakandi Upazila, died at Ibn Sina Hospital in Dhaka on Thursday night.

On hearing the news, the minister went to the hospital and later visited the bereaved family at their home in Baliakandi on Friday morning. He met the family members and expressed his condolences.

According to the family, Kanika was admitted to a private Shamrita Hospital in Faridpur for childbirth around three months ago. She underwent a Caesarean section there, after which she began suffering from severe abdominal pain.

As her condition deteriorated, she was shifted to Ibn Sina Hospital in Dhaka for better treatment.

Following a CT scan and other tests, doctors reportedly found gauze-like materials inside her abdomen. During a subsequent surgery, a significant amount of gauze and bandages was allegedly removed, according to the family.
Kanika later died while undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Speaking to the grieving family, Minister Sakhawat assured them that necessary assistance would be arranged as far as possible.

He said that if any negligence or medical error was found in connection with Kanika's death, a proper investigation would be conducted and those responsible would face necessary action.

The minister said the government was working to address existing problems in the health sector as soon as possible.
“Honourable Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is very sincere about this issue,” he said.

Rajbari Deputy Commissioner Afroza Parvin, Civil Surgeon Dr SM Masud, Additional Deputy Commissioner Tariful Hasan and Baliakandi Upazila Nirbahi Officer, among others, were present during the minister's visit.