TBM Report
Two women died on Sunday at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital (SBMCH) in Barishal after being administered anesthesia injections outside the operating theater. The incident occurred in the ENT department on the hospital’s fourth floor. The deceased have been identified as Shefali Begum, 60, from Patuakhali, and Helena Begum, 45, from Barishal. Following the deaths, hospital authorities promptly established a three-member investigation committee to probe the matter.
According to family members, the victims were scheduled for surgeries at 8:30 AM for tumor and thyroid issues. However, at approximately 6:30 AM, a staff nurse, Molina Rani Haldar, reportedly injected them with “Norcuron” (Vecuronium Bromide) in the general ward. Within minutes, both patients suffered severe convulsions and respiratory distress, leading to their immediate demise. Witnesses and relatives expressed outrage, accusing the staff of fatal negligence as the patients were seemingly stable prior to the injection.
Medical protocols dictate that such anesthesia must only be administered by a qualified anesthesiologist within a controlled operating room equipped with ventilation support. Doctors explained that Norcuron temporarily paralyzes respiratory muscles, making life-support essential during its administration. The nurse in question admitted her mistake, claiming she followed instructions from a senior colleague, though her excuse has not absolved her of accountability in the eyes of the administration.
Brigadier General AKM Mashiul Munir, Director of SBMCH, condemned the incident as a “punishable offense” and a gross violation of medical procedures. He stated that the nurse acted prematurely and without authority, bypassing mandatory safety protocols. The director has encouraged the victims’ families to pursue legal action and promised full departmental transparency. A formal investigation report is expected shortly, which will determine the final disciplinary measures against those responsible.
 in Barishal after being administered anesthesia injections outside the operating theater. The incident occurred in the ENT department on the hospital's fourth floor. The deceased have been identified as Shefali Begum, 60, from Patuakhali, and Helena Begum, 45, from Barishal. Following the deaths, hospital authorities promptly established a three-member investigation committee to probe the matter.){kind=link}