Child’s death after circumcision: Writ seeks Tk1cr compensation

A writ has been filed with the High Court seeking Tk1 crore in compensation over the death of a five-year-old child, Ayan, who died during his circumcision procedure at United Medical College Hospital in the capital.

The writ also sought directives for an investigation into the death of the child, action against the doctors who performed the surgery as well as the hospital and certificate cancellation of the doctors involved.

Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Shahjahan Akand Masum filed the writ in the public interest on Tuesday (January 9).

The writ was submitted in the High Court division bench comprising Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice Md Atabullah.

Health secretary, director general of the Directorate General of the Health Services (DGHS) and others concerned have been made respondents in the writ.

Ayan was taken to United Medical College Hospital on Badda Madani Avenue by his father, Shamim Ahmed, for circumcision on a Tk10,000 package on December 31. 

Ayan was given full anaesthesia there, reportedly without parental consent.

When, several hours after the operation, he still was not conscious, the hospital moved him to its Gulshan branch.

Following seven days of keeping Ayan on life support, medical professionals in the paediatric intensive care unit declared him dead late on Sunday (January 7).