Woman Dies Waiting For Doctor During Lunch Break

A retired schoolteacher tragically died at Akhalpur Upazila Health Complex in Joypurhat while waiting for a doctor, after arriving at the emergency department with severe chest pain. The incident occurred on Tuesday, 31 March, at approximately 3:00 pm, highlighting alleged lapses in hospital emergency care.

Incident Details

According to relatives and hospital sources, Josna Ara, a retired teacher of Mithapur Girls’ High School and wife of Abdus Sattar from Mithapur village in Badalgachhi Upazila, rushed to the emergency department complaining of intense chest pain. Upon arrival at 2:57 pm, she walked into the department and laid herself on a bed. However, no doctor was present at that moment.

The on-duty doctor, Sumaiya Trisha, was reportedly away for her lunch break. Only the Sub-Assistant Community Medical Officer (SACMO) Nahida Sultana was present. Recognising the urgency of the situation, Nahida immediately contacted the duty doctor and informed Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Abu Shafi Mahmud. Despite these efforts, nearly 20 minutes elapsed before any medical attention could be provided, and Josna Ara passed away before the doctor’s arrival.

Family Statements

Her son-in-law, Hosen Ali, expressed profound grief and frustration:

“My mother-in-law arrived at the hospital with severe chest pain. She was fully conscious and even managed to lie down on the bed herself. However, because the emergency doctor was absent, she received no medical care and tragically died. We demand a proper investigation and appropriate punishment for those responsible.”

Hospital Response

Duty doctor Sumaiya Trisha stated,

“I was away for lunch when the SACMO contacted me. I rushed immediately but found the patient already deceased. The Upazila Health Officer was present at the scene.”

Meanwhile, Dr Abu Shafi Mahmud clarified,

“I arrived as soon as I was informed of the situation but unfortunately found her already dead. I have spoken with the family, and they have expressed no complaint. Misinformation about the incident is spreading.”

Police Intervention

According to OC Shahin Reza of Akhalpur Police, tensions arose at the hospital due to the absence of the emergency doctor. Police quickly arrived to calm the situation. After approximately two hours, the family took the body home for burial.

Timeline of Events

Context and Implications

The tragic death has sparked discussions about hospital protocols and the importance of having doctors available in emergency departments at all times. Family members and locals emphasise that delays in emergency care can have fatal consequences, particularly for patients showing severe symptoms such as chest pain, which may indicate cardiac events.

Hospital officials maintain that the incident was unforeseen and insist that communication channels were followed, but the tragedy underscores the need for stricter emergency management policies and accountability measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.