Hospital death sparks clash, doctors hand patient’s son to police

A patient’s death at Kushtia Medical College Hospital triggered a clash between doctors and the patient’s relatives, leading to the arrest of three people, including the deceased’s son.

The incident took place at around 11:00 PM on Friday (September 25) at Unit 3 of the hospital’s Medicine Department.

The deceased was identified as Atiar Sheikh, 65, of Shaota village in Kumarkhali upazila of Kushtia.

According to police, witnesses and the family, Atiar was taken to the hospital after falling ill. Doctors advised his family to conduct an ECG. However, he died while preparations were underway for the test.

Following his death, an argument broke out between the patient’s relatives and doctors and hospital staff over his treatment. The situation later turned into a physical altercation.

After news of the incident spread, interns and students of the hospital gathered on the premises. They later became involved in another altercation with the patient’s relatives, according to those present.

A relative of the deceased said the patient had been moved from one ward to another before being taken to a doctor, who advised an ECG. He died before the test could be conducted.

“We only asked why the doctors were asking for an ECG after the patient had already died. That became our crime,” the relative said.

The relatives alleged that several of them were beaten during the incident and that some were injured. They also claimed that police arrested some of their family members.

However, hospital authorities alleged that the patient’s relatives attacked intern doctors following his death. Several interns and students were injured in the incident, they claimed.

Kushtia Medical College Hospital Deputy Director Dr Akul Uddin said the doctors had been performing their duties properly and several doctors were present at the time.

“A critically ill patient was brought to the hospital and died shortly after reaching the doctor. There was no negligence on the part of the doctors,” he said.

He alleged that the patient’s relatives attacked and assaulted doctors after the death.

“Several interns and students were also injured. We informed the police and will take legal action against those involved,” he added.

Police said three people, including the deceased’s son and two other relatives, were arrested following a complaint filed by the hospital authorities.

Kushtia Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zakir Hossain said police went to the hospital at night and brought the situation under control.

“Based on the complaint filed by the hospital authorities, the deceased’s son and two other relatives were arrested. A case has been filed against them,” he said.

The arrested people were sent to court, the OC added.

sks