Former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s personal physician FM Siddiqui has alleged that there was deliberate negligence in her treatment. It is not mere negligence, he says, but willful neglect, which is the unforgivable offence.
Doctor FM Siddiqui said these words in a speech given at the civic funeral organized by the civil society for Khaleda Zia. The funeral was held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhavan on Friday (January 16) afternoon.
FM Siddiqui said that after Begum Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27, 2021 with complications related to Covid-19, the current medical board took charge of her treatment. Upon admission, after conducting the necessary tests, they found with deep surprise and concern that he was suffering from cirrhosis of the liver. However, in the Medical University’s medical clearance, he was instructed to take a tablet named Methotrexate regularly for the treatment of arthritis and he has been given this medicine even while admitted. We stop the medicine immediately.’
Khaleda Zia’s personal doctor said, ‘Madam was suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and she was taking this medicine on the advice of rheumatologists. He also had MAFLD (Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease).’
Doctor FM Siddiqui said, ‘It is necessary to mention here that the diagnosis of madam’s liver disease was a very simple matter; No need to be an expert. Regular blood tests of several components of liver function are necessary in the case of methotrexate consumption, and if abnormal results are found, the drug should be discontinued and at least an abdominal ultrasonogram should be performed to verify liver status. Unbelievably, the government prescribed doctors did not even do an ultrasonogram and stop the MTX (methotrexate) after Madam’s liver function test showed poor results.’
Noting that Khaleda Zia did not agree to undergo ultrasonography there due to lack of trust in the doctors at that time, FM Siddiqui said, but considering the importance of the condition, point of care ultrasound-POCUS could easily be done at the bedside through her trusted doctor. At the very least, MTX should be discontinued.
Many people question whether Khaleda Zia was given ‘slow poison’ or not, this doctor said, ‘My answer is that methotrexate was the drug that aggravated her fatty liver disease and led to cirrhosis of the liver. In this context it was “slow poison” for his liver.’
Professor FM Siddiqui said, ‘Today there is a deep regret in the hearts of millions of people in the country – if the man who sacrificed his whole life for democracy, for people’s right to vote, had lived for a few more days! If only he could see, people could freely exercise their right to vote!’
FM Siddiqui said, such negligence in treatment of Begum Khaleda Zia and rapid deterioration of liver function pushed her towards death. It is willful negligence. It is an unforgivable crime and it needs to be investigated whether it is part of a far-reaching plan to kill him or not. Apart from this, the medical board has clear evidence of negligence in the treatment of his diabetes and arthritis.
Professor FM Siddiqui thinks that there should be a detailed investigation on three aspects of Khaleda Zia’s medical negligence through a legally competent committee. Those three things are – a. Who were the members of the medical board formed by the government and on what basis did they undertake the treatment of Khaleda Zia? Whether they are responsible for failure to perform their duties or not. b. Whether any doctor was involved in his treatment at the time of admission and whether there is any evidence of medical negligence. c. Khaleda Zia wanted to include her personal doctors through a lawyer while undergoing treatment at the medical university—why didn’t she do that and who stopped her?
FM Siddiqui expressed hope that the government will contact Khaleda Zia’s family and take necessary legal steps immediately.
