A tragic incident at the Akkelpur Upazila Health Complex in Joypurhat has sparked widespread concern after an elderly retired teacher reportedly died while waiting for medical attention in the emergency department, allegedly because the on-duty doctor was absent at lunchtime.
The deceased, identified as retired schoolteacher Josna Ara, wife of Abdur Sattar from Mithapur village in Badalgachhi upazila of Naogaon, was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday (31 March) at approximately 2:57 pm after experiencing severe chest pain. She had previously taught at Mithapur Girls’ High School.
According to family members and hospital sources, she walked into the emergency unit on her own and lay down on a hospital bed, visibly conscious but in distress. However, no physician was immediately present in the emergency ward at the time of her arrival.
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Timeline of events in emergency care delay
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 2:57 pm | Patient arrives at emergency department with chest pain |
| Shortly after | On-duty doctor reportedly away for lunch |
| Within minutes | Assistant medical staff assesses condition and alerts doctor |
| Around 3:00–3:10 pm | Senior health officials informed of emergency situation |
| ~3:15 pm | Efforts made to bring doctor back to hospital |
| ~3:17 pm (approx.) | Patient reportedly declared dead after waiting nearly 20 minutes |
During this period, Sub-Assistant Community Medical Officer (SACMO) Nahida Sultana was present in the emergency unit and reportedly assessed the patient’s condition. She immediately contacted the duty doctor, Dr Somaya Trisha, who was away from the hospital for lunch. Senior health officials, including the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, were also informed.
Despite attempts to summon medical assistance, the patient’s condition deteriorated rapidly. She was declared dead approximately 20 minutes after arriving at the facility.
The incident quickly escalated into tension within the hospital premises, with agitated family members alleging negligence. Law enforcement officers were subsequently deployed to the scene to restore order.
Family alleges negligence
Relatives of the deceased expressed deep anguish over the circumstances of her death, claiming that timely medical intervention could have saved her life.
Her son-in-law, Hossain Ali, said the patient was still conscious upon arrival. “She was speaking and walked into the emergency ward herself. She lay down on the bed, but there was no doctor present. The delay in treatment led to her death. We demand a fair investigation and accountability,” he stated.
Hospital administration response
The duty physician, Dr Somaya Trisha, confirmed that she was away for lunch at the time of the incident. She stated that she returned immediately after being informed by staff but found the patient already deceased upon arrival.
“I was informed by the SACMO and rushed back to the hospital. By the time I arrived, the patient had already passed away. The Upazila Health Officer was also present at the time,” she said.
Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Abu Shafi Mahmud rejected allegations of negligence, stating that he personally responded after being informed of the emergency situation. He added that he arrived to find the patient already dead and claimed that discussions had been held with the family, who had not formally lodged a complaint.
“There is misinformation being circulated regarding the incident. We responded as quickly as possible once informed,” he said.
Police intervention and aftermath
Akkelpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shahin Reza confirmed that police were dispatched to the hospital after reports of unrest following the patient’s death. Officers managed to bring the situation under control.
He added that the body remained at the hospital for approximately two hours before being taken back home by relatives.
The incident has reignited debate over staffing shortages, emergency preparedness, and accountability in rural healthcare facilities, where delays in critical treatment can have fatal consequences. Local residents have called for improved emergency protocols and stricter monitoring of duty rosters to prevent similar tragedies in future.