Ad-Din Hospital offered crores of taka, yet its licence was cancelled: Health Minister

Ad-Din Hospital had crores of taka, yet its licence was ultimately cancelled, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain Bokul has said .

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an event organised at the Monohardi Upazila Parishad auditorium in Narsingdi on Saturday afternoon, June 13 .

The minister said the previous government embezzled money and laundered state funds abroad. He added that the current government is an exception, aiming to serve all people regardless of party affiliation .

"Under the prime minister's strict directive, everyone must work for the people, rising above corruption," he said .

Referring to Ad-Din Hospital, the minister said the hospital had crores of taka, yet its licence was cancelled. He noted that leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami are now speaking in favour of Ad-Din, adding that this punishment will serve as a lesson for all .

A three-member probe committee from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) found clear negligence and mismanagement by Ad-Din Hospital authorities responsible for the deaths of the six newborns . The hospital's response to the DGHS show-cause notice was deemed unsatisfactory by the health minister, leading to the licence cancellation .

During the event, the minister distributed financial donations to poor and helpless people from his own fund.

The health minister also announced plans to launch a pilot scheme to make the country's healthcare system easier. Under this scheme, healthcare workers will visit every home to provide primary care and decide whether a patient needs hospital referral.

He further stated that two 3,000-bed specialised hospitals are planned with Chinese cooperation, which will provide special medical facilities for women and children.

Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Monohardi upazila Sajib Mia, upazila BNP member secretary Aminur Rahman Sarkar Dolon, Monohardi Police Station OC Jahangir Badshah, and local leaders were present at the event.

It is to be noted that the DGHS cancelled the licence of Ad-Din Hospital in Moghbazar, capital, following the deaths of six newborns on May 27 . The hospital authorities may appeal the decision within 30 days under the Medical Practice and Private Clinics and Laboratories (Regulation) Ordinance, 1982 . The DGHS has instructed that patients be transferred to appropriate nearby hospitals .