Five Simultaneously Born Newborns Admitted to Hospital in Barishal Due to Illness

Five newborns, born naturally without surgery in Barishal, have been admitted to hospital after falling ill. Two months after their birth, they developed cold-related illnesses. They were admitted to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal on Tuesday.

The children’s father, Sohel Hawlader, said that over the past few days, his children became sick one by one. They were admitted to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital yesterday. He works as a small shopkeeper but is struggling to cover the medical expenses.

Sohel Hawlader’s wife, Lamia Akter, gave birth to three sons and two daughters on 6 October at Hemayet Uddin Diabetic General Hospital in Barishal city, without surgery. Their names are Hasan, Hosain, Moyachin, Habiba, and Umama. The news of the quintuplets’ birth caused nationwide attention at the time.

The newborns were healthy after birth, but as winter set in, they gradually fell ill. Lamia Akter said, “Taking care of them daily is exhausting. A jug of milk doesn’t last more than two days. They need ten diapers every day. Lack of sufficient warm clothing has made them sick. Our family has a low income. Covering the medical expenses is very difficult. I don’t know how to manage.”

Sohel Hawlader added, “As the children grow, the costs increase. With my limited income, even their basic care is hard, let alone medical expenses. Without assistance, there’s no way to afford their treatment.”

Upon learning of the quintuplets’ illness, the Deputy Director of Barishal District Social Services, A K M Akhtaruzzaman Talukdar, and Assistant Director Sajjad Parvez visited the hospital on Tuesday afternoon. They arranged medical care and immediate financial assistance for the children with the help of hospital authorities.

Assistant Director Sajjad Parvez told the media, “We have supported the family since the birth of the five newborns. Being a low-income family, it has been very difficult for them to care for the quintuplets. Their illness has added more pressure. We provided free medicine and 15 days’ supply of milk at the hospital. However, long-term support is needed. Alongside the government, affluent members of society must also step forward.”

Sohel Hawlader said that after the birth of the five children, a humanistic organisation formed by the SSC 84 batch, ‘Event 84’, provided a cow and other assistance. Yet, supporting five children and covering their medical costs has now become impossible for them.

Khaborwala/TSN