Legal notice served to doctors, authority of Bangladesh Eye Hospital over child’s loss of eyesight
The notice states that due to repeated surgeries, the child suffered severe pain, shrinking of the eye, and continuous fluid discharge. Eventually, his vision in the right eye was permanently lost
A legal notice has been issued against Bangladesh Eye Hospital, accusing its doctors of medical negligence that allegedly caused a four-year-old child to lose sight in one eye.
The notice, sent today (23 September) by lawyer Mubinul Islam on behalf of the child's father, Md Saiful Islam, demands either arrangements for advanced treatment abroad within 15 days or compensation of Tk1 crore.
Those named in the notice are the hospital's Chairman Dr Mahbubur Rahman Chowdhury, Managing Director Dr Niaz Abdur Rahman, Paediatric Ophthalmology Consultant Dr Kazi Sabbir Anwar, and Vitreo-Retina Specialist and Phaco Surgeon Dr Irene Hossain.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
According to the notice, Saiful Islam's son, Abrar Hossain Evan, had been experiencing poor vision in his right eye since birth.
On 31 July last year, he was taken to Bangladesh Eye Hospital on Sat Masjid Road in Dhanmondi.
Doctors diagnosed a cataract and advised surgery with lens placement, to which his father consented.
The following day, Dr Kazi Sabbir Anwar performed the operation.
However, complications arose, and the child was later examined by Dr Irene Hossain, who reportedly informed the family that the retina had been cut during surgery.
Over the next several months, Evan underwent multiple further operations, including two within one month of the initial procedure and another in April this year.
A fifth operation was advised for May, but his father became doubtful of the treatment approach.
The notice states that due to repeated surgeries, the child suffered severe pain, shrinking of the eye, and continuous fluid discharge. Eventually, his vision in the right eye was permanently lost.
Seeking another opinion, Saiful Islam consulted a surgeon at Hikmah Eye Hospital, who advised that no further operations be carried out, saying the eye had been permanently damaged.
The notice alleges that negligence during the cataract operation caused the injury, while subsequent procedures were carried out unnecessarily, prolonging the suffering of the child and his family.
It argues that the family endured financial loss, mental distress, and irreparable harm to their child. Although the damage cannot be fully compensated in monetary terms, Tk1 crore has been demanded as redress.
The notice requests that, within 15 days, the hospital arrange advanced treatment abroad, provide compensation, or reach an acceptable settlement with the family.
