Ad-Din Hospital loses licence after deaths of 6 newborns

The government has revoked the licence of Ad-Din Hospital in Dhaka following an investigation that found negligence behind the deaths of six newborn babies in the hospital’s post-operative ward.

The decision was announced on Thursday by Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr Provat Chandra Biswas. 

According to an official notification, the hospital’s licence was cancelled based on the findings of an investigation committee formed under the Medical Practice and Private Clinics and Laboratories (Regulation) Ordinance, 1982.

In the early hours of May 27, six newborns, aged between one and three days, died at Ad-Din Hospital in Moghbazar. 

The infants had not yet been named and were identified by their mothers.

Following the deaths, the father of one of the newborns, Habibur Rahman, filed a negligence case with Ramna Police Station. 

In response, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare established an investigation committee to determine the cause of the incident.

The committee’s report concluded that hospital authorities were responsible for serious lapses in care. 

Based on those findings, the government moved forward with disciplinary action against the facility.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain had earlier indicated that strict measures would be taken if negligence was proven. 

“We will be as strict as the law allows. This time, no one can be spared,” he said after reviewing the investigation findings.

The hospital administration also conducted its own internal inquiry. Although officials initially announced plans to release the report publicly, they later decided to submit it directly to the health ministry instead.

Meanwhile, a notice from the DGHS required hospital owner Dr Sheikh Mohiuddin to respond within 72 hours regarding the allegations and findings.

On June 7, lawyer Shishir Monir, who mediated between the hospital and the affected families, stated that Ad-Din Hospital had agreed to provide compensation of Tk80 lakh to each of the six families.

Under the relevant ordinance, the hospital retains the right to appeal the licence cancellation within 30 days of the order. 

However, after a legal review and confirmation of negligence, authorities finalised the revocation of the hospital’s operating license on Thursday.

The case has drawn widespread public attention and renewed concerns over patient safety, accountability, and standards of neonatal care in private healthcare institutions across Bangladesh.