Eleven patients have allegedly contracted tuberculosis after undergoing surgeries at a private hospital named Al-Madina Lab and Hospital in Faridpur upazila of Pabna.
The victims claimed that complications developed in their surgical wounds after operations at the same hospital. Later, tuberculosis was detected through various tests. They have demanded a proper investigation to identify the actual cause and action against the private clinic.
Meanwhile, the upazila health department has formed a three-member investigation committee to look into the incident.
Van driver Mohon Ali, one of the affected patients’ relatives, said he admitted his daughter-in-law Ayesha to Al-Madina Lab and Hospital at the Muktijoddha Complex near Bonwarinagar Bazar in Faridpur upazila for a caesarean section. Ayesha gave birth to a son on 31 May.
As the surgical wound from the caesarean section did not heal within the expected period, the family sought medical advice. After several tests, tuberculosis was detected in the wound.
Ayesha is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Konabari area of Gazipur. Her relatives are struggling to bear the cost of her treatment.
Ayesha is not the only one. Similar complications have reportedly developed among 10 other patients who underwent surgeries at the same hospital. Of the 11 patients, 10 were diagnosed with tuberculosis after caesarean sections, while one was diagnosed after gallbladder surgery.
Joya Rani from Thana Para area said, “After having a child, I thought I would spend my days happily with my baby. But a new disease has taken root in my body. My poor parents cannot afford the cost of my treatment.”
Mita Khatun of Gopalnagar area in Faridpur upazila said she gave birth to a son through a caesarean section at Al-Madina Lab and Hospital on 2 May. Since then, as the surgical wound did not heal, she consulted doctors. Later, tuberculosis was detected in the wound.
Regarding the matter, Al-Madina Lab and Hospital Managing Director Masud Rana said they were unable to determine which patient the infection had spread from.
However, around four months ago, a 75-year-old patient underwent hernia surgery at their hospital. When an infection developed after the operation, tests detected tuberculosis. He suspected that the bacteria may have spread from that patient.
Admitting their mistake, he added that the operation theatre had been disinfected again after they became aware of the issue.
Faridpur Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Rashedul Hasan Shawon said the upazila health department had issued a show-cause notice to the private hospital authorities after learning about the incident.
They had submitted a reply, and the matter had been reported to higher authorities. The upazila health department would take action according to their instructions.
The health official further said that a three-member investigation committee was formed on Monday, headed by Faridpur Upazila Health Complex Resident Medical Officer Ashikur Rahman. The committee has been instructed to submit its report within seven days.
