A two-year-old child has died due to alleged medical malpractice at a private clinic in Chattogram.
Police detained a doctor-on-duty and a nurse after the child passed away at Max Hospital late on Friday night, but later released them.
A five-member committee has been formed to investigate the child’s death.
The deceased, Raifa, is the daughter of Dainik Samokal Chattogram Bureau Senior Correspondent Rubek Khan.
Rubel Khan told reporters that his daughter had been admitted to Max Hospital on Thursday afternoon because she had a throat ache due to a cold and was refusing to eat.
“They gave her antibiotics that night and she expressed discomfort. The hospital administration was informed and they suggested contacting a child care specialist.”
Child Specialist Bidhan Barua prescribed the same kind of medication, Rubel said.
“That night, after she took the medicine, Raifa began to have seizures. Doctor-on-Duty Bidhan Barua was informed of the situation and he administered a ‘Sedil’ injection. She stopped moving.”
The media rushed to the hospital after the death was reported. The doctor and nurse were detained by police based on the media reports, according to bdnews24.
Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) Chattogram General Secretary Faisal Iqbal went to the police station with some co-workers following the situation.
Chowkbazar Police Station OC Abul Kalam said the two detainees were released after a three-way discussion.
Chittagong Union of Journalists (CUJ) General Secretary Hassan Ferdous said that a five-member probe committee was formed at the three-way meeting between journalists, the BMA and police.
The Chattogram civil surgeon will head the committee, which will also include representatives from the BMA, the CUJ.
The investigation’s report is to be submitted within five days.
“Further steps will be taken once we receive the report,” said CUJ official Ferdous.
The hospital administration has not issued a statement over the death of the child.