Ad-din Medical College Hospital Executive Director (ED) Dr Sheikh Mohiuddin has voluntarily resigned following the deaths of six newborns. The Board of Directors has appointed Retired Dhaka University Microbiology Professor Jamalunnesa to take over the responsibilities.
Meanwhile, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain on Tuesday said that although the Maghbazar branch of Ad-din Hospital’s operating license had been revoked, the institution’s other branches may continue their operations without interruption.
In a statement signed on Tuesday by Tarikul Islam Mukul, Director of Company Affairs at Ad-din Foundation, the organization confirmed the resignation of the Executive Director.
The statement said that in accordance with directives from the government of Bangladesh, the institution is committed to implementing changes in its infrastructure and management systems.
“We have already started infrastructure development work in full swing. Necessary modifications and improvements are underway under the supervision of three independent consultants to ensure better ventilation and oxygen availability. We have also completely shut down the bakery located above the corporate office,” the statement said.
The statement further noted that Dr Sheikh Mohiuddin had voluntarily resigned from his position, and the board of directors had entrusted Professor Jamalunnesa with the responsibility.
Professor Jamalunnesa, a former faculty member of the Department of Microbiology at Dhaka University, recently retired after more than 25 years of teaching experience.
Speaking as chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the “Measles Treatment Protocol Clinical Management Guideline” at Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College auditorium on Tuesday morning, the Health Minister said, “Not only the pathology department, but the entire license of Ad-Din Hospital in Maghbazar has been canceled. However, if Ad-Din Hospital has other branches, there will be no obstacles to their operations.”
Pointing to negligence on the part of hospital authorities, the minister said, “The babies at Ad-Din Hospital died due to a lack of oxygen in a confined space. There was negligence on the part of doctors, nurses, and hospital authorities. Therefore, the hospital authorities must take responsibility for the deaths of the six infants. The hospital registration has been revoked as punishment for this offense. No one can evade accountability by disregarding government authority.”
The minister also announced that a nationwide Vitamin A campaign would be launched soon, adding that the government is currently working on preparations and that an official date would be announced within the next two to four days.
Since 1980, Ad-din has been operating healthcare services, medical education, general education, training programs, and income-generating projects. The organization currently runs nine hospitals, five medical colleges, one nursing college, four nursing institutes, one Institute of Health Technology, and one collegiate school.
Over the past 29 years, Ad-Din Women’s Medical College Hospital in Maghbazar has provided treatment to 1,57,73,291 patients. The hospital currently employs around 1,790 doctors, nurses, and staff members, while the medical college has a total of 646 students, including 209 international students.
On May 27, six newborns died at Ad-Din Hospital in Maghbazar. Following an investigation, the Directorate General of Health Services revoked the hospital’s license on June 11 and instructed authorities to transfer patients to other hospitals within three days.
