DU sues Central Hospital over student’s death for ‘wrong treatment’

Dhaka University today sued nine persons including director and consultant of Central Hospital in connection with death of a student due to “wrong treatment”.

DU Proctor AM Amzad Ali filed the case with Dhanmondi Police Station this afternoon, hours into Afia Jahan Chaity, 20, a first year student of zoology department, died at the hospital, reports a DU correspondent.

Central Hospital Director Dr MA Kashem, consultant Lt Col (retd) Dr ASM Matlabur Rahman, Prof ABM Abdullah, Dr Murtaza, Dr Jahanara Begum, Dr Maksud Pervin, Dr Masuda Pervin, Dr Tapan Kumer Bairagi and Rashed Yusuf were accused in the case, according to the case statement.

The hospital doctors diagnosed Afia with “acute myeloblastic leukaemia” after she was admitted to the hospital yesterday, according to the prescription issued by the hospital. As the doctors began treatment for cancer last night, Chaity’s condition deteriorated this morning.

Later, the doctors conducted further test that showed she was suffering from “dengue fever”, Proctor Amzad said in the case statement. 

However, doctors declared her clinically dead around 11:00am, he added.

Her death sparked protest after the death news reached at the university campus. The agitating students demanded punishment of the doctors responsible for death.

Around 300 students went to the hospital around 5:30pm and carried out vandalism inside the hospital, reports our correspondent from the spot.

Later, police brought the situation under control.

Meanwhile, ASM Matlabur Rahman, consultant pathologist of Central Hospital, told The Daily Star that the hospital authorities will form a three-member probe body to investigate the matter.

Last reported, Afia’s body was being brought to her village home in Chapainawabganj.