HC for probe into child’s birth, death on hospital compound

The High Court today directed the authorities concerned to investigate the incident of a woman giving birth to a child and its death at the compound of Azimpur Shishu Matri Sadan and the negligence of the hospital authorities.

The director of Sir Salimullah Medical College and Hospital and the superintendent of Azimpur Shishu Matri Sadan have been ordered to carry out the probe and submit the report to the HC in 15 days.

Issuing a suo moto rule, the court asked the authorities concerned to explain why the failure of the doctor to give treatment to the expecting mother, Parvin, should not be declared illegal.

In the rule, the court also asked the authorities to show cause as to why they should not be directed to take appropriate action against the persons who are responsible for the incident and to compensate the victim Parvin. 

The bench of Justice Quazi Reza-Ul Hoque and Justice Mohammad Ullah came up with the order and rule on a suo moto (voluntary) move following a report published by the online version of The Daily Jugantor, BD Live and The Asian Age on the incident.

The health secretary, social welfare secretary, women and children affairs secretary, director general of Department of Health Services, directors of DMCH and Salimullah Medical College Hospital, superintendent of Azimpur Shishu Matri Sadan and one Dr Nilufer, deputy commissioner and superintendent of police of Dhaka and officer-in-charge of Lalbagh police station have been made respondents to the rule.

The court observes that the expecting mother, Parvin, was not provided treatment as she reportedly could not pay TK 1,500 which is very regrettable and a black spot on the civilisation of this democratic state.  

It also said the government should be more conscious of such type of negligence in providing treatment to the patients.