Ad-din hospital blames 'unexpected negligence' for newborn deaths, suspends 2 staff members

Ad-din Medical College Hospital has described the deaths of six newborns at its Moghbazar branch on 27 May as the result of "unexpected negligence" and suspended two staff members following an internal investigation.

Mohammad Shishir Manir, legal counsel for the hospital, disclosed the findings of the hospital's internal investigation and developments at a press conference organised jointly by the hospital authorities and affected families at the Holiday Inn Dhaka City Centre in Tejgaon this afternoon (6 June).

He said a five-member internal investigation committee found that a nurse and another staff member had shown a "lack of professionalism", adding that they have been suspended.

Regarding a show-cause notice issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) asking why the hospital's licence should not be cancelled, Shishir said the notice is "unlawful" and that the hospital will submit a written response by 5pm tomorrow, while also seeking additional time and an oral hearing.

At the briefing, Habibur Rahman, father of one of the deceased newborns, said he filed a case over the incident and wants those genuinely responsible to be punished.

"My child will never return. But I am also indebted to this hospital because my two other healthy children were born here. We do not want the hospital to be shut down. Rather, the deficiencies should be corrected and services improved," he said.

When asked whether the families have been pressured into a settlement, Habibur said the hospital authorities have not exerted any pressure.

He reiterated that they want those responsible for the deaths to be punished but do not want the hospital's services to be stopped.