Six Newborn Deaths
Severe Negligence Found at Ad-Din Hospital
On Thursday afternoon, the minister presented the findings of the investigation report at a press briefing in the Health Ministry conference room at the Secretariat. Photo: Collected
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain has assured the highest punishment under existing law against those responsible for the deaths of six newborns at Ad-Din Hospital in Moghbazar, allegedly caused by negligence and a shutdown of the air conditioning system. After receiving the investigation report, he said clearly, “We will go as far as the law allows us to be strict. No one can be spared this time.”
The minister presented the summary of the investigation report on Thursday afternoon at a press briefing held in the conference room of the Health Ministry at the Secretariat. He also responded to various questions from journalists.
At the briefing, the health minister said a three-member investigation committee formed by the Directorate General of Health Services submitted its report at 3:00 pm on the same day. The report found evidence of gross negligence by hospital authorities and extreme carelessness by nurses and staff on duty.
In response to a question from journalists, the minister said, “The report has clearly established criminal conduct and negligence. We have already sealed the post-operative room where the incident occurred. However, we cannot shut down the entire hospital immediately as more than 200 patients are currently admitted. We will review the legal framework over the next two days regarding closure. We will reach a final and strict decision on the hospital by Sunday, inshallah.”
He added that the Ministry of Health is taking appropriate steps to address unchecked mismanagement in hospitals. “We are organizing surprise inspections involving secretaries, the DG, and the state minister. With the strict legal actions, we are preparing, I strongly believe no hospital authority will dare to keep people or newborns in such closed conditions in the future,” he said.
He further said the investigation committee has recommended making prior approval from the Department of Environment and mandatory building inspections compulsory for issuing new licenses to private hospitals. The ministry has already begun working to implement this recommendation.
Responding to a question on whether the deaths of six children were being treated as professional negligence or a criminal offense, the health minister said, “This is undoubtedly a serious criminal offense. A case has already been filed in this incident. Due to emotional reasons, the families took the bodies without autopsies, which the accused may try to use as a legal loophole. However, this is not a hidden incident that occurred in the dark of night. This is a fully proven fact. I firmly believe the honorable court will show no leniency toward the accused.”
Citing the investigation committee, the minister said Room No. 2 of the post-operative unit at Ad-Din Hospital was not suitable for hospital operations. The 900-square-foot room held far more people than its capacity. With the air conditioning shut down for a prolonged period and no alternative ventilation, oxygen levels in the room dropped dangerously while carbon dioxide levels rose, making survival impossible for newborns.
“To ensure healthcare services, we are holding a series of Zoom meetings with deputy commissioners and civil surgeons. Our directives and management will become increasingly strict, and you will soon see the results on the ground,” the health minister added.
The press briefing was attended by the health secretary, the director general of the Directorate General of Health Services, and other officials.
