Broker removes oxygen mask, 7-month-old infant dies at DMCH

Photo: Collected

A seven-month-old infant named Minhaj died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) after a broker forcibly removed his oxygen mask, disregarding strict doctors’ orders that the mask must not be removed even for two minutes. The incident occurred on the afternoon of May 12.

The accused, Enayet Karim, a temporarily suspended office assistant at the hospital, was arrested by police following the incident.

Minhaj had been brought from Rangpur to Dhaka for advanced treatment of kidney complications. Enayet assured the family of a hospital bed availability but also persuaded them to receive treatment at a private clinic in the Katabon area, charging 25,000 taka daily. According to family members, Enayet removed the infant’s oxygen mask, intending to transfer him to the private clinic. The child was reportedly carried around the hospital premises without the mask for about 20 minutes. Signs of distress became apparent only when Minhaj was being loaded into an ambulance near Building No. 2’s gate, by which time the infant had succumbed.

Hospital sources revealed that Enayet Karim had faced various allegations previously, including demanding bribes for certificates related to injuries sustained during anti-discrimination student protests. Despite his suspension, he continued to operate as a broker within hospital premises, engaging in fraudulent activities.

Sources say nearly fifty brokers exploit the hospital’s overcrowding, targeting critically ill patients who need ICU care and coercing families to move them to private clinics. Although periodic raids are conducted, many chief brokers evade legal consequences.

Shahbagh police officer Monmoth Haldar noted that since the infant’s family did not lodge a formal complaint, the body was handed over to relatives without an autopsy. Enayet was handed over to hospital authorities after signing a written statement.

This case highlights ongoing issues of malpractice and exploitation within hospital settings, emphasizing the urgent need for stricter supervision and legal action to prevent such tragedies.

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