A young man, Md Shahin Akanda, 20, has died while under treatment after being bitten by a snake in Sherpur. His relatives blame negligence by the doctors on duty at Sherpur District Sadar Hospital for failing to give him antivenom and other necessary treatment in time.

The hospital authorities deny the allegation, saying he was given appropriate treatment according to his physical condition and symptoms.

Shahin was the son of Md Shafiqul Akanda, a farmer from Harindhara Kandapara village in No 9 Char Mocharia union of Sherpur Sadar upazila. He was a first-year honours student in the economics department of Sherpur Government College, and had recently sat the recruitment examination for police constables.

Relatives said Shahin was bitten by a snake at about 8pm on Friday, 21 August, while walking on the road after leaving home. Friends and relatives quickly took him to the 250-bed Sherpur District Sadar Hospital.

His cousin Sabbir Ahmed said that after the bite at about 8pm, Shahin was taken to hospital by 8.30pm. His blood was tested first, and when the report came about 20 minutes later, doctors said there was no venom in his body and his circulation was normal. He was admitted and told to rest.

Sabbir said the doctors removed the tie that had been put on Shahin's leg after the bite, after which his vision began to blur. When the doctors were told, several medicines were prescribed; four were found, but one could not be found anywhere in Sherpur.

He alleged that Shahin was given antivenom only after his condition worsened after 9.30pm. At about 10.30pm, when his condition deteriorated further, doctors referred him to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. On the way, near Bhaitkandi in Phulpur, an oximeter check in the ambulance showed no response. He was taken to Phulpur Upazila Health Complex, where the doctor on duty declared him dead at about 11.30pm.

"When we reached the hospital, Shahin's condition was not that bad. But they took time to treat him. If antivenom had been given in time, perhaps we would not have lost him today," Sabbir said angrily.

Shahin's friend Mostafa Kamal said a doctors' shift change was under way when they brought him in. Another doctor then came, examined him and spoke to seniors. "At first my friend was in good condition. If antivenom had been given in time, perhaps he would not have died."

He also asked why, although they reached the hospital at about 8.30pm, the hospital records show the patient admitted at 9.25pm. The hospital says antivenom was given at 9.40pm. At first they were told the patient was well; after the tie on his leg was removed, blurred vision and breathing difficulty began.

Masud Hasan Badal, general secretary of Sherpur Press Club, said any negligence in treating snakebite patients must be established through an administrative inquiry. The hospital has CCTV footage, and when the patient was brought in and what treatment was given when should be investigated, he said; if negligence or dereliction of duty is proved, legal action should be taken.

Dr Touhid Islam, emergency medical officer at Sherpur District Sadar Hospital, denied negligence. He said that when he took over the patient, the register recorded admission at 9.25pm. As the patient's condition was worsening, a decision was taken to give antivenom urgently; since no senior doctor was present at the hospital at the time, antivenom was given at 9.40pm on their advice.

He said that when the patient's condition worsened at about 10.30pm despite the antivenom, he was quickly referred to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. "We tried to give the best treatment we could. Snakebite patients are treated according to their symptoms."

Dr Mohammad Imran Hossain, superintendent of Sherpur District Sadar Hospital, said the hospital has enough antivenom for snakebite patients; its current stock can treat at least 18 patients.

He said Shahin's condition was not good when he came to them. After initial treatment he was given antivenom at 9.40pm, and when his condition worsened further he was referred to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

Asked about the family's claim that Shahin was initially in good condition, he said: "According to our records the patient came to hospital at 9.25pm. We gave the best treatment and antivenom we could."

On the deterioration after antivenom, he said every medicine can have side effects, antivenom included, and a patient's situation can sometimes become more complicated. In Shahin's case, his condition, including breathing difficulty, was poor and deteriorated quickly.

Sherpur Civil Surgeon Dr Muhammad Shahin said Shahin had been given antivenom but was referred to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital because his condition was poor. For details on the negligence allegation, the hospital superintendent would have to be asked, he said.

Because the family's allegations and the hospital's statements differ, there are calls for an impartial investigation to establish the full timeline, from Shahin's arrival at hospital to his treatment and the administration of antivenom. His death has cast a pall of grief over teachers and students at Sherpur Government College.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.