Ad-Din Hospital executive director resigns over six newborn deaths

Dr Sheikh Mohiuddin, the executive director of Ad-Din Hospital in the capital, has stepped down following the deaths of six newborns. The foundation's board has appointed Professor Jamalunnesa as the new executive director.

Ad-Din Foundation has also initiated a major overhaul of the hospital's infrastructure and management.

The foundation announced the changes in a written statement on Tuesday, June 16, signed by Foundation Director (Company Affairs) Tariqul Islam Mukul.

The statement said the Ad-Din family is deeply saddened by the recent deaths of six children. Preliminary investigations found evidence of negligence, and action has already been taken against those responsible. The foundation has also initiated efforts to strengthen the hospital's supervisory system and reassess medical protocols.

Following government directives, the foundation has begun infrastructural renovations. Work is underway under the leadership of three independent consultants to ensure adequate lighting, ventilation, and oxygen supply. A bakery operating on the top floor of the corporate office has been permanently closed.

The new executive director, Professor Jamalunnesa, is a former teacher of the Department of Microbiology at the University of Dhaka. She had taught at the department for over 25 years. She secured first-class first position in her postgraduate studies from Dhaka University in 1988 and later completed her PhD from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Ad-din Foundation has been operating healthcare, medical education and training programmes since 1980. Currently, it runs nine hospitals, five medical colleges, one nursing college, four nursing institutes, one Institute of Health Technology, one collegiate school, and several mobile healthcare programmes.

The foundation's statement said Ad-din Women's Medical College Hospital has treated approximately 1.57 crore patients over the past 29 years. Until June 11 this year, the outpatient department served an average of around 2,000 patients daily. The institution employs nearly 1,790 doctors, nurses and staff, the majority of whom are women. The medical college currently has 646 students, including 209 foreign students.

In its concluding remarks, the foundation reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring patient safety, quality treatment and accountability.