Health ministry forms probe body over patient death following advice to stop insulin

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has formed a six-member committee to investigate allegations that a diabetes patient died after being advised to stop insulin and follow a keto diet and supplements. The committee will also examine accusations of using unauthorised supplements. The probe also covers allegations against Dr Jahangir Kabir's organisation, Health Revolution Limited.

The information was confirmed in a letter signed by Professor Dr Md Nurul Islam, Director of the Hospital and Clinics Branch of the DGHS.

The letter stated that Professor Dr Indrajit Prasad, head of the Endocrinology Department at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, had filed a complaint with the DGHS on May 5 seeking necessary action against malpractice and the use of unauthorised supplements. An expert committee has been formed to investigate the matter thoroughly.

The complaint states that a 36-year-old woman named Sumi Begum, who had been suffering from diabetes for a long time and was using insulin regularly on doctor's advice, later came into contact with Health Revolution Limited online.

According to the complaint, the organisation advised her to stop insulin and follow a specific sugar-free diet and take some high-priced supplements. Following that advice, her diabetes became uncontrolled after she stopped insulin, and she eventually developed severe diabetic ketoacidosis. She was admitted to the Endocrinology Department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where she died on February 2, according to the complaint .

The complaint further stated that it is necessary to investigate whether there is any link between the advice to stop insulin, the keto diet and the supplements with the patient's death.

Professor Dr Md Nurul Islam, Director of the DGHS, said it is their responsibility to look into any complaint. Since allegations have been made against Dr Jahangir Kabir's organisation, that will also be investigated. The committee has been asked to submit a report within 10 working days with a clear opinion on the allegations, including those related to unauthorised supplements.

The investigation committee has been headed by Professor Dr Mohammad Monir-Uz-Zaman, Principal of Sir Salimullah Medical College and Professor of Medicine. Dr Md Mahmudur Rahman, Assistant Director of the DGHS, has been made member secretary.

The other members of the committee are Dr M A Halim Khan (Associate Professor, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital), Dr Hasan Hafizur Rahman (Associate Professor, Dhaka Medical College Hospital), Dr Hurjahan Banu (Associate Professor, Bangladesh Medical University) and Dr Azimunnnessa Shiuly (Assistant Professor, BIRDEM Hospital).

Committee member secretary Dr Md Mahmudur Rahman confirmed the formation of the probe body. Convener Dr Mohammad Monir-Uz-Zaman said there have been many complaints about the treatment methods of Dr Jahangir Kabir's organisation.

Dr Jahangir Kabir said a probe committee has been formed against Health Revolution Limited, and the DGHS may take action if the allegations are proven. However, he claimed that his side had also investigated the matter and found no truth to the allegations. He denied the accusations of stopping insulin and providing high-priced supplements, and said the patient had not been using insulin before coming to them.