Dhaka: The Mirpur Upazila Health Complex in Kushtia was vandalised and two doctors were injured after relatives and locals allegedly attacked the facility following the death of a three-year-old child who was brought there after drowning in a pond on Friday morning. The incident temporarily disrupted emergency medical services at the 50-bed health facility.
According to United News of Bangladesh, police and locals said Rafi, son of Sabbir Hossain of Naodapara village in Fulbaria union, fell into a pond near his home around 8:00am. He was rescued in critical condition and taken to the health complex, where the on-duty medical officer pronounced him dead after examination. Tension gripped the hospital premises after news of the child's death reached his relatives.
Hospital authorities reported that some agitated relatives and locals entered the doctor's room, verbally abused the staff, and vandalised several parts of the facility, including the medical officer's room. Dr Abdus Samad and Dr Jannatul Ria were injured during the incident. On information, police rushed to the hospital and brought the situation under control.
The child's family alleged that Rafi was brought to the hospital alive and died due to medical negligence. They also denied abusing any doctor or taking part in the vandalism. Dr Jannatul Ria stated that the hospital staff understood the grief of a family after losing a child but stressed that attacks and vandalism could seriously disrupt emergency medical services. "Ensuring the safety of doctors and healthcare workers is essential," she said.
Mohammad Shahidul Islam, officer-in-charge of Mirpur Police Station, confirmed that the situation is currently under control. Police are working to identify those involved in the vandalism and take legal action following an investigation, he said.