Maternity Death Triggers Clinic Closure

A private maternity clinic in Feni has been sealed following allegations of medical negligence that led to the death of a 21-year-old mother, sparking widespread outrage and calls for accountability.

The deceased, Naima Akter Liza, wife of expatriate Mujibul Haque from Fazilpur Union in Feni Sadar Upazila, underwent a caesarean section at the “One Stop Maternity Clinic” located on Shahid Shahidullah Kaiser Road in Feni town. She gave birth to a baby boy on Friday, but tragically died within 20 hours of delivery.

According to family members, labour pains began on Friday when Liza was first taken to a clinic in Laskarhat. From there, she was allegedly persuaded by a nurse to transfer her to the private maternity facility in the town centre. The clinic authorities reportedly insisted on an immediate caesarean section, which was carried out that night for a fee of Tk 22,000 by Dr Nasrin Akter Mukta.

Relatives allege that severe post-operative bleeding began shortly after the surgery. Despite repeated requests for urgent intervention, clinic staff allegedly dismissed the condition as “normal”. As her condition deteriorated further on Saturday, attending doctors reportedly distanced themselves from the case. She was later moved to another private hospital, where physicians advised immediate transfer to Chattogram Medical College Hospital. However, she died en route to Chattogram that evening.

Following the circulation of the incident on social media, a joint inspection team led by Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Rubaiyat bin Karim and district administration officials conducted a raid at 6:42 pm on Saturday. Sensing the presence of authorities, the clinic owner, doctors, and staff reportedly fled the premises.

An executive magistrate later confirmed that the facility had been sealed for violations under the Private Clinics and Laboratories Regulation Act of 1982. Authorities also indicated that the clinic had previously faced similar action for irregularities.

Timeline of Events

Family members have expressed deep anguish over the incident. A relative, Emran Hossain, claimed that negligence during surgery may have caused internal organ damage, which they believe was concealed by clinic authorities.

Civil Surgeon Dr Rubaiyat bin Karim stated that the clinic had previously been sealed and warned that strict legal measures would follow if further evidence of negligence and mismanagement was confirmed.

Officer-in-Charge of Feni Model Police Station, Gazhi Mohammad Fouzul Azim, confirmed that legal action would be initiated upon receipt of a formal complaint from the victim’s family.

The incident has cast a pall of grief across the locality, with residents demanding exemplary punishment for those responsible.