Ad-Din Hospital newborns death probe report delayed until June 3: Health Minister

Investigation report into the deaths of six newborns at Ad-Din Hospital has been delayed untill June 3, Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Husain Bakul said.

A comprehensive report will now be submitted on June 3, the minister said while speaking to reporters at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) headquarters in Mohakhali on Saturday (May 30).

“The investigation report was scheduled to be submitted today, but the committee has not yet been able to take testimonies from all affected mothers. We have therefore granted an additional three days to ensure a complete and objective inquiry afte the probe committee had sought additional time,” he said.

The minister revealed that preliminary findings suggest the air-conditioning system in the hospital’s post-operative ward remained switched off for nearly two hours at the request of a mother who complained of feeling cold. During the period between 2:00am and 4:00am, no alternative ventilation system was reportedly in operation.

“These issues are being examined carefully as part of the investigation,” he added.

Bakul said the final report would determine whether there was any negligence or failure in duty and stressed that those found responsible would face appropriate action.

“No one will be spared if negligence, mismanagement or professional misconduct is established,” he said.

According to the minister, investigators are reviewing the hospital’s overall management, treatment procedures, ward environment, ventilation system and the responsibilities of medical personnel on duty at the time of the incident.

The deaths occurred on the night of May 26 at Ad-Din Hospital’s post-operative ward, where 11 mothers and six newborns were admitted. According to allegations raised by family members, the ward’s air-conditioning system was temporarily shut down before being switched on again. Shortly afterwards, several newborns reportedly developed breathing complications, and all six later died.

The incident triggered widespread concern and prompted separate investigations by health authorities. The bodies of the newborns were handed over to their families without autopsies following requests from relatives.

An unnatural death case has since been filed with Ramna Police Station, while the official investigation remains ongoing.

The findings of the report are expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding one of the most serious hospital-related incidents involving newborn deaths in recent years.