Two nurses have been dismissed over cooking incident in the hospital’s operating theatre.

Two nurses at Feni General Hospital have been temporarily suspended following a controversy over cooking inside an operating theatre (OT) at the 250-bed facility. The orders were issued on Sunday through two separate directives from the Directorate of Nursing and Midwifery.

The nurses involved are Kalpana Rani Mandal, the hospital’s Nursing Supervisor, and Rani Bala Haldar, a Senior Staff Nurse. Kalpana Rani hails from Barisal, while Rani Bala is from Bagerhat district.

Reasons Cited for Suspension

The suspension orders cited several key reasons:

1. Grossly irresponsible conduct: Cooking with a gas stove inside the labour ward’s OT was deemed highly unprofessional and contrary to hospital discipline.

2. Public exposure: A video of the cooking incident circulated on social media and received coverage in the press.

3. Damage to the profession’s reputation: The actions were considered detrimental to the image of the nursing profession.

The orders stated that the temporary suspension is intended to facilitate departmental proceedings and ensure proper investigation. Both nurses will continue to receive their entitled allowances during this period.

Hospital Response

Mohammad Saiful Islam, the administrative head of Feni General Hospital, said:
“We have received the suspension orders regarding the Nursing Supervisor and another nurse. We will take necessary measures in accordance with the directives. The hospital authority is also conducting a thorough investigation.”

The Incident

The incident occurred on Thursday morning and was captured in a 1-minute 7-second video that quickly went viral on social media. The footage shows the two nurses preparing Khola-za pitha, a traditional winter rice cake, inside the OT. Meanwhile, operations were ongoing in adjacent theatres, and relatives of patients were also present. Cooking utensils, plates, and pots are clearly visible in the video.

Hospital sources explained that the labour ward is located on the second floor of the older hospital building, where deliveries and other maternity services are provided. The OT contains sterilised medical equipment and a gas stove intended for heating water, which staff occasionally misuse to cook food.

Investigation Committee

The hospital has formed a committee to investigate the incident:

The hospital administration has confirmed that the investigation is underway and that appropriate action will be taken against the staff for this negligent and unprofessional behaviour.