Ad-Din Hospital served show-cause notice over six newborns deaths

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued a show-cause notice to Ad-Din Medical College Hospital in Dhaka’s Moghbazar over the deaths of six newborns, asking the authorities to explain why the hospital’s licence should not be revoked.

The notice was issued on Thursday (June 4) by Abu Hossain Md. Mainul Ahsan, director (Hospitals and Clinics) at the DGHS, following findings of serious negligence and operational irregularities in an official investigation.

Under the notice, hospital owner Sheikh Mohiuddin has been directed to submit a written explanation within 72 hours, by 4:00pm on Sunday.

According to the DGHS, the investigation committee formed after the deaths of six newborns in the hospital’s post-operative ward on May 27 found evidence of significant lapses in hospital management and patient care. Statements from doctors, nurses, staff members and family members of the deceased infants were also reviewed during the inquiry.

The investigation report concluded that the hospital failed to comply with provisions of the Medical Practice and Private Clinics and Laboratories Ordinance, 1982.

The committee’s preliminary findings indicate that serious negligence contributed to the deaths of the newborns.

In the notice, health authorities said the hospital, although registered under Section 8 of the relevant law, may face licence cancellation due to alleged violations of regulatory requirements.

Earlier on Thursday, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare disclosed key findings of the investigation, pointing to major infrastructural and management shortcomings within the facility. Investigators found that prolonged disruption of air-conditioning in the post-operative ward, coupled with inadequate ventilation, likely led to reduced oxygen levels and a buildup of carbon dioxide, creating a potentially life-threatening environment for the newborns.

The Health Ministry said a final decision regarding the hospital will be announced after reviewing the investigation report and the hospital’s response.

The deaths of six newborns in the early hours of May 27 sparked nationwide concern and prompted demands for accountability. The incident also led to legal action against the hospital over allegations of negligence and medical mismanagement.