Newborn dies at CMCH after ward boy halts oxygen supply over unpaid tips: Family
If any ward boy is found responsible for the death, strict action will be taken, says the hospital director
The family of a newborn at Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) has alleged that hospital staff halted the oxygen supply over "unpaid tips", leading to the infant's death.
According to the family, the baby was born seven days ago at Zamzam Hospital in Chakaria. The newborn, suffering from pneumonia, was referred to CMCH for advanced treatment and admitted to bed number 30 in ward 32 of the facility on 9 March.
The deceased's father, Belal Uddin, said his child had been "stable" until this morning (15 March). However, when the oxygen ran out, he requested a ward boy to replace it.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
He alleged that the staff demanded a bribe to provide the necessary oxygen and, upon refusal, halted the supply.
Belal Uddin said the ward boy allegedly forced the parents out of the ward around 7:30am, saying he needed to clean the area.
He said they were made to wait outside for over two hours and were only allowed back in at 9:45am, where they discovered their baby had passed away.
"The nurses and ward boys here do not work without a bribe. Every time they administer oxygen, they demand Tk200," Belal Uddin said in anguish.
He continued, "We are poor. We survive on daily wages. We came here because we couldn't afford private treatment. How can we pay Tk200 every time? We keep calling them, but they do not come unless we pay."
The grieving father added, "If they had just provided the oxygen water, my baby would still be alive. I did not pay today – if I had, my child would have been fine."
The parents demanded justice, blaming the hospital's negligence for their baby's death.
This is not the first time allegations have been raised against CMCH staff. Patients and their families frequently complain that ward boys and nurses demand bribes for basic services.
Responding to the allegations, CMCH Director Brigadier General Mohammad Taslim Uddin told The Business Standard, "I have been informed of the incident. We will form an investigation committee headed by the department chief. If any ward boy is found responsible, strict action will be taken. There will be no leniency in this matter."
