DGHS shuts United Medical College Hospital over child's death

The Directorate General of Health Services has ordered the closure of the United Medical College Hospital located in Satikkul area over the death of child Ayan while undergoing circumcision.

Dr. Abu Hossain Mohammad Mainul Ahsan, the Director (Hospital and Clinic) of the Directorate General of Health Services, signed the office order on Sunday, instructing the closure.

It has been reported that no necessary documents, including the hospital's license, were found during the inspection of the hospital.

According to the recent order, on January 10, the United Medical College Hospital was inspected under the leadership of the Director (Hospital and Clinics) of the Directorate General of Health Services following the complaint from the father of the deceased child Ayan Ahmed (aged 5+). During the inspection, the authorities of the United Medical College Hospital failed to produce the required license issued by the Health Directorate.

Additionally, upon scrutiny of the online database and verification during the inspection, it is revealed that the institution operating under the name United Medical College Hospital has never applied for registration or licensing through online means with the health department. The establishment is conducting medical services in a building without any legal registration or license, contrary to the prevailing laws and regulations. Consequently, this order has been issued based on the recommendation of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the directive of the Director General of Health Services.

On December 31, a nursery student from a private school in Dhaka was taken to United Medical College Hospital in Satkhira for circumcision. The procedure was performed using general anesthesia. However, several hours after the operation, when the child did not regain consciousness, he was transferred to United Hospital in Gulshan.

After spending eight days on life support at United Hospital, Ayan was pronounced dead by medical professionals on Sunday (January 7). His body was laid to rest in Rupganj on Monday.