Cox’s Bazar Correspondent
Eighteen children developed infections after undergoing free circumcision on St Martin’s Island in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. A medical team treated them on Wednesday, including dressing the wounds of 10 children. None required referral outside the island.
A three-member medical team led by Teknaf Upazila Health Complex Medical Officer Dr Naushad Alam Kanan left Shah Porir Dwip for St Martin’s at around 10am on Wednesday (October 7). At the 20-bed St Martin’s Hospital, the team examined 120 of the 210 children who had undergone circumcision. Ten required fresh dressing, while infections were detected in 18. They were given necessary treatment and are now well, officials said.
Families of the affected children said some developed pain, swelling, pus and bleeding from the wounds after circumcision.
On October 4, Al-Momin Samaj Kalyan Foundation organised a free medical service, medicine distribution and circumcision programme at Obokash Resort on St Martin’s under the supervision of Shaikh Mufti Mahbubullah Qasemi.
According to the organisers, a 14-member medical team led by an MBBS doctor circumcised 210 children aged between five and 15. The children were also provided with free medicines. The team travelled to St Martin’s after obtaining permission from the Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s (UNO) office.
Dr Naushad Alam Kanan said the problems might have been caused by failure to administer medicines as prescribed, delayed dressing and lack of awareness among those involved in the procedure. He said necessary medicines, prescriptions and follow-up treatment should be ensured after circumcision, particularly in remote areas.
Teknaf UNO SM Anik Chowdhury said the 18 children diagnosed with infections were treated and were currently well. They were expected to recover within a week if they received proper treatment and dressing.
Citing the medical team, the UNO said delayed dressing, inadequate precautions and insufficient medication might have caused the infections. #EK
