Police deployed at Ad-Din Hospital after licence revocation

Law enforcement agencies have been deployed around Ad-Din Hospital in the capital after the government decided to cancel the hospital's licence following the deaths of six newborns. A large number of police personnel were seen at every gate of the hospital on Thursday afternoon, June 11, shortly after the cancellation was announced.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) informed of the decision to cancel the hospital's licence in the afternoon, stating that the response to the show-cause notice issued over the deaths of the six newborns was not satisfactory.

According to the order, the report of the investigation committee formed by the ministry identified oxygen shortage and negligence on the part of the hospital authorities as the causes of death of six newborns in one ward on May 27. Consequently, the DGHS issued a show-cause notice asking why the hospital's licence should not be cancelled. The hospital authorities were given 72 hours to respond but later requested an additional 48 hours. They submitted a written reply on June 9. As the explanation provided was not satisfactory, the hospital's licence was cancelled under section 11(2)(b) of The Medical Practice and Private Clinics and Laboratories (Regulation) Ordinance, 1982.

However, the order noted that under section 12 of the ordinance, the hospital may apply to the government for reconsideration of the decision within 30 days of the licence cancellation.

Earlier on May 27, six newborns aged between one and four days died in the hospital's post-delivery ward. The investigation committee's report cited negligence by the hospital authorities, overcrowding in the ward, air conditioners being off for long periods with no alternative ventilation, and increased carbon dioxide levels in the air as possible causes of the deaths. Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain released the report on June 4. The same day, the DGHS issued a show-cause notice to the hospital authorities based on the investigation report.