Ad-Din Hospital Licence Revoked

The licence of Ad-din Medical College Hospital in the capital’s Moghbazar area has been revoked following a controversial incident in which six newborn babies died within a short span of time. Authorities took the decision after deeming the hospital’s explanation regarding the deaths to be unsatisfactory.

The announcement was made on Thursday afternoon during a press briefing by the Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services, Professor Dr Prabhat Chandra Biswas. He confirmed that regulatory action had been taken in response to the incident, which has triggered widespread concern and public scrutiny over neonatal care standards in private healthcare facilities.

According to officials, the incident occurred between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on 27 May, when six newborns died at the hospital within a three-hour window. The unusually high number of deaths in such a short period prompted immediate concern from health authorities, leading to the formation of a high-level investigation committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the fatalities.

Prior to the licence cancellation, the hospital management submitted its explanation to the Ministry of Health. However, Health Adviser Sardar Mohammad Sakhawat Hossain reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the response on Wednesday, stating that the explanation failed to adequately address key questions raised by the authorities and the investigation team.

The investigation committee is expected to assess multiple aspects, including clinical management of the newborns, availability of neonatal intensive care facilities, staffing levels, emergency response procedures, and adherence to hospital protocols. Officials indicated that further legal and administrative steps may follow based on the final findings of the inquiry.

The incident has also intensified public debate over the regulation of private hospitals and the enforcement of healthcare standards in Bangladesh, particularly in neonatal and maternal care units where critical outcomes depend on timely and specialised intervention.

Timeline of Key Events

Officials have reiterated that patient safety remains the top priority and that strict action will continue to be taken against any healthcare institution found to be negligent or non-compliant with regulatory standards. The case remains under active review as the investigation proceeds.