Govt revokes Ad-din Hospital’s licence, orders patient relocation

The government on Thursday revoked the licence of Ad-din Hospital following the deaths of six newborns and ordered the immediate transfer of all admitted patients to other healthcare facilities.

The decision was announced by Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Prof Dr Pravat Chandra Biswas at a press conference.

Addressing the media, the DGHS chief said no one should seek treatment at an unlicensed healthcare facility. “I request the hospital authorities to shift the patients to another suitable hospital, and they may inform us if they require any assistance in this regard,” he said, adding that the hospital authorities have the legal right to appeal the cancellation within 30 days.

The formal order was conveyed in a letter sent to Sheikh Mohiuddin, executive director and proprietor of the hospital. According to the letter, a show-cause notice was issued on 4 June following the findings of an inquiry committee formed under Section 11(1) of the Medical Practice and Private Clinics and Laboratories (Regulation) Ordinance, 1982, in connection with the deaths of six newborns on 27 May.

The DGHS initially directed the hospital to respond by 7 June, which was later extended to 9 June following a request from the hospital authorities. As the explanation submitted by the hospital was deemed unsatisfactory, the government cancelled the licence under Section 11(2)(kha) of the same ordinance, the letter added.

The DGHS formed a three-member probe committee following the deaths of six newborns at the hospital’s post-operative ward on 27 May.

The investigation reportedly found evidence of negligence by doctors, nurses and supporting staff, along with irregularities in environmental management. According to the report, the ward was not adequately equipped and was unsuitable for newborn and post-operative care, citing a lack of proper lighting and ventilation.

It also found that no doctor in charge was present in the ward at the time of the incident, and that necessary medical care was not provided promptly despite the critical condition of the newborns. The probe further noted deficiencies in the air control system, which was reportedly operating irregularly and was inadequate for requirements.

Meanwhile, Ad-din Hospital authorities have announced a decision to provide Tk80 lakh in compensation to the families of each of the six newborns.