Highlights
- A patient named Sheikh Saiful Islam (38) died after a hospital cleaner allegedly removed his oxygen mask at Khulna Medical College Hospital (Khulna Medical).
- The patient’s family claims the cleaner removed oxygen because they did not give enough tips.
- Hospital authorities say cleaners have no authority to decide who gets oxygen.
The Shocking Incident
At Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH), a tragic incident occurred when a hospital cleaner allegedly removed oxygen from a patient because his family did not give the expected tips. Within minutes of the removal, the patient Sheikh Saiful Islam (38) died.
This happened on Sunday morning, according to his relatives. The incident has created widespread outrage among the patient’s family members and the general public.
Who Was the Patient?
The deceased, Sheikh Saiful Islam, was from Jogipol Union, Ward 4, under Khan Jahan Ali Police Station in Khulna. He was the son of late Sheikh Ismail.
Family members said that Saiful was admitted on Saturday morning to the Medicine Unit-1, Ward 5 and 6, with kidney-related complications.
Read More: Bangladesh Welcomes Recognition of Palestine by Four Western Countries
Family’s Allegations
Relatives alleged that in the hospital, cleaners were deciding who would get oxygen, not doctors. On Sunday around 8 am, cleaner Jobbar removed Saiful’s oxygen mask, and shortly after, he passed away.
Saiful’s elder brother Ashraful Islam said:
“সাইফুলকে কিডনিজনিত সমস্যার কারণে মুমূর্ষু অবস্থায় হাসপাতালে ভর্তি করি। ভর্তির পর তার অবস্থার আরও অবনতি হয়ে নিঃশ্বাস নিতে কষ্ট হলে অনেক চেষ্টা করেও তাকে অক্সিজেন দিতে ব্যর্থ হই। পরে এলাকার এক বড় ভাইয়ের মাধ্যমে অনেক চেষ্টায় রাত ১টার পর তাকে অক্সিজেন দেওয়া হয়। কিন্তু আজ (গতকাল) সকাল ৭টার পর ওয়ার্ড ক্লিনার জব্বার (আউটসোর্সিং) আমার ভাইয়ের অক্সিজেন খুলে নিয়ে পাশের অন্য এক রোগীকে দেওয়ার জন্য নিয়ে যায়।”
Translation: “We admitted Saiful in critical condition due to kidney problems. His condition worsened, and he struggled to breathe. Despite our attempts, we failed to get oxygen until 1 am, when we finally managed it by arranging through a local elder. But on Sunday morning, cleaner Jobbar removed his oxygen and took it away to give to another patient.”
Cleaner’s Statement
When asked about the incident, cleaner Jobbar (outsourced) denied the allegation of wrongdoing.
“আমি একজন মুমূর্ষু রোগীর জন্য তাদের কাছে থেকে অক্সিজেন সিলিন্ডারটা নিয়ে যাই।”
Translation: “I only took the oxygen cylinder from them for another critically ill patient.”
However, when asked if it was part of his duty to remove oxygen from one patient and give it to another without doctors’ advice, he could not answer.
Hospital Authorities Respond
Hospital authorities confirmed that there was no oxygen shortage at KMCH. They also stated that cleaners have no authority to handle oxygen supply decisions.
Dr. Sujat Ahmed, Deputy Director of the hospital, said:
“There is no shortage of oxygen in the hospital; we have sufficient supply. It is not the responsibility of ward cleaners to provide or remove oxygen from patients. Only doctors can decide when a patient should receive or stop oxygen. If a cleaner removed oxygen without permission, it is a crime. We will take action if a written complaint is filed.”
The shocking death of Saiful due to alleged negligence and corruption at the hospital has sparked strong anger among his relatives and locals. Many demanded strict action against those responsible and called for better monitoring of hospital staff.
Source: DBC News
