Pabna, Aug 26 (V7N) - Eleven patients have reportedly been diagnosed with tuberculosis after undergoing surgery at Al-Madina Lab and Hospital, a private healthcare facility in Faridpur upazila of Pabna.
The patients and their families alleged that complications developed at the surgical sites following procedures at the same hospital. Subsequent medical examinations reportedly confirmed tuberculosis in the affected areas. The patients have called for a proper investigation to determine the actual cause of the infections and for action against the private facility if negligence is established.
Meanwhile, the upazila health authorities have formed a three-member committee to investigate the incident.
On Monday (Aug 24), a visit to Thanapara in Faridpur upazila revealed an old, dilapidated house beside a cemetery, where Golam Rabbi and his wife Ayesha live. The couple were not at home at the time. Family members said Ayesha was receiving treatment at a hospital in the Konabari area of Gazipur.
Speaking to reporters, Ayesha’s father-in-law, Mohan Ali, a rickshaw-van driver, said she was admitted to Al-Madina Lab and Hospital near the Muktijoddha Complex in Banwarinagar Bazar for a caesarean section.
Ayesha gave birth to a baby boy on May 31. The family initially celebrated the birth, but their joy turned into distress when the surgical wound failed to heal within the expected period.
After repeated consultations and medical tests, tuberculosis was reportedly detected at the wound site. Her family is now struggling to meet the cost of her treatment.
Ayesha is not the only patient affected. Ten other patients who underwent surgery at the same hospital reportedly developed similar complications. Of the 11 patients, 10 underwent caesarean sections, while one underwent gallbladder surgery before being diagnosed with tuberculosis.
Joya Rani, a resident of Thanapara, said she had hoped to spend happy days with her newborn after giving birth. Instead, she was diagnosed with a new illness and her family is now struggling to bear the cost of treatment.
Mita Khatun of Gopalnagar in Faridpur upazila said her husband, a day labourer, underwent a caesarean section at Al-Madina Lab and Hospital on May 2 and gave birth to a baby boy. However, the surgical wound did not heal properly, prompting her to seek further medical treatment. Tests later reportedly detected tuberculosis at the affected site.
Masud Rana, managing director of Al-Madina Lab and Hospital, said the facility was unable to determine how the bacteria had spread.
He said a 75-year-old patient had undergone hernia surgery at the hospital about four months earlier. When the patient developed an infection after the operation, subsequent tests reportedly detected tuberculosis.
“We suspect the infection may have spread from that patient,” Rana said.
He acknowledged shortcomings on the hospital’s part and said the operating theatre had been thoroughly disinfected after the matter came to light.
Dr Rashedul Hasan Shawon, Faridpur Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, said the upazila health department had issued a show-cause notice to the private hospital after learning about the incident. The hospital authorities had submitted a response, which was subsequently forwarded to the higher authorities.
He said the upazila health department would take further action in accordance with instructions from the higher authorities.
Dr Ashiqur Rahman, Resident Medical Officer of Faridpur Upazila Health Complex, was appointed head of a three-member investigation committee formed on Monday (Aug 24) to look into the allegations.
The committee has been instructed to submit its findings within seven days.
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