Ad-din Hospital’s License Revoked Over Newborn Deaths

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has cancelled the registration and operating license of Ad-din Hospital in Moghbazar, Dhaka, following the deaths of six newborns allegedly caused by professional negligence.

The decision was announced on Thursday through an official notification signed by the Director of the Hospital and Clinic wing of the DGHS. The action came after an investigation into the deaths of six infants who died under treatment at the hospital on May 27, triggering widespread concern and public outcry.

According to health authorities, the license was revoked based on the findings of an inquiry committee formed under the Medical Practice and Private Clinics and Laboratories (Regulation) Ordinance, 1982. The committee examined the circumstances surrounding the incident and identified serious lapses in professional responsibility and patient care.

The DGHS said the investigation report revealed evidence of negligence significant enough to warrant the cancellation of the hospital’s registration. The authorities took the punitive measure in line with the provisions of the ordinance aimed at ensuring accountability in private healthcare institutions.

Under Section 12 of the ordinance, Ad-din Hospital has the right to seek a review of the decision or file an appeal with the government within 30 days from the date of the order.

The deaths of the six newborns sparked strong reactions from the victims’ families and the public, prompting the health authorities to launch an immediate investigation. The incident also renewed concerns over patient safety, quality of care and oversight mechanisms in private healthcare facilities.

Before the government reached its final decision, hospital authorities reportedly attempted to resolve the matter through a compensation package offered to the affected families. The proposal included Tk 80 lakh for each family, lifetime free medical treatment and employment opportunities for at least one member of each family. The hospital also sought additional time to respond to a show-cause notice issued by the authorities.

However, the government found the hospital’s explanations inadequate and proceeded with the cancellation order.

Speaking at a press conference, DGHS Director General Professor Dr. Prabhat Chandra Biswas said a physical inspection conducted by the health authorities made the negligence “evident.” He added that the explanations submitted by the hospital failed to satisfactorily address the findings of the investigation.

“The inquiry uncovered serious shortcomings, and the responses provided by the hospital authorities were not convincing,” he said, emphasizing that healthcare institutions must be held accountable when patient safety is compromised.

Health officials said the government remains committed to ensuring quality healthcare services and enforcing regulatory standards across both public and private medical facilities. They added that necessary steps would continue to be taken against institutions found guilty of malpractice or negligence.

Meanwhile, additional police personnel have been deployed around the hospital premises to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents following the announcement of the license cancellation.

The case has drawn significant attention nationwide and is expected to intensify discussions on medical accountability, patient rights and the need for stronger monitoring of private healthcare providers in Bangladesh.