Cumilla doctor who told patients to 'go to journalists when labour pain starts' faces probe over newborn's death

A five-member committee has been formed to investigate Dr Khairatun Hisan Keya and Al Noor Hospital in Cumilla's Chauddagram following the death of a newborn during an attempted normal delivery.

Chauddagram Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Rashid Ahmed Chowdhury Tofayel formed the committee today (8 October), appointing Dr Md Farzana Khandaker, junior consultant in the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department of Chauddagram Upazila Health Complex, as its head.

The committee has been directed to submit a full investigation report within three working days.

The newborn died on 3 October after sustaining a deep head injury during an attempted normal delivery at Al Noor Hospital on Chauddagram High School Road, according to the family.

The delivery was conducted under the supervision of Dr Keya. The mother, Nazma Akter, wife of expatriate Mostafizur Rahman from Khamar Pushkarni village in Shuvapur Union, was later referred to Cumilla for treatment.

The incident came to light on 5 October after the woman's relatives alleged on social media that the doctor had been negligent in treating her. Local journalists subsequently reported on the allegations.

Following the reports, Dr Keya made a controversial remark directed at journalists in a Facebook post.

"You should do one thing: from now on, when labour pain starts, go to journalists, or ask journalists why the pain is happening, why the water has not broken, and let them decide all these matters and provide the treatment," she wrote.

Dr Keya later apologised to journalists for the comment.

Nazma's husband Mostafizur Rahman alleged that negligence by Dr Keya led to his child's death.

"I was very excited because our first child was going to be born. My child died due to Dr Keya's negligence. My wife is also in critical condition and undergoing treatment in Cumilla. The entire family is worried. We strongly demand a proper investigation and exemplary punishment for the doctor responsible," he said.

Dr Keya denied the allegation of negligence.

"We were trying for a normal delivery, but it was not happening. Later, I referred the woman to Cumilla. The allegation of negligence against me is not correct," she said.

Dr Rashid Ahmed Chowdhury Tofayel said the administration was also embarrassed by Dr Keya's remarks about journalists.

"We are also embarrassed by the remarks about journalists. An investigation committee has been formed. If the allegations are proved after the investigation, action will be taken against those responsible," he said.