‘Cancelling Ad-Din’s licence given me death sentence’: Owner

Dr. Sheikh Mohiuddin, Executive Director of Ad-Din Foundation, has said that cancelling the hospital’s registration over the infant deaths has amounted to giving him a death sentence. He noted that a report was issued alongside the license cancellation, and that they have begun reforms at BUET accordingly. He made these remarks at a press conference held at Ad-Din Hospital on Monday afternoon.

At an event in Narsingdi last Saturday, Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain claimed that Ad-Din Hospital had been following him around with crores of taka, but that he had no greed for money. When asked about this at today’s press conference, Dr. Sheikh Mohiuddin responded:

“I do not want to answer this question. Ask the Minister himself – tell him to show that proof. Ask the Minister to prove it. He has to prove it. Why would I go around following him with money? I have no need to go around with money. My position is this: I did not follow him (the Health Minister) around with money.”

Dr. Sheikh Mohiuddin said that the exact cause of the children’s deaths has still not been determined, and that the Health Ministry’s report also does not clearly specify the cause of death.
He added that autopsies were not performed on the children who died.

He said that although the investigation report did not contain clear causes, reforms have begun on the issues that were highlighted. Equipment for measuring oxygen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide has been purchased. The key to the sealed children’s ward has also been requested so that it can be repaired. Altogether, the renovations can be completed within one week.

Earlier, on May 27, allegations arose that 6 newborns had died at Ad-Din Medical College and Hospital. Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain stated that there was extreme negligence on the part of doctors, nurses, and hospital authorities in this incident.

Citing the investigation committee, he said that in the sudden and tragic deaths of the six newborns, it was clearly established that no doctor or nurse was present on duty at the time, and that the hospital authorities were negligent in their responsibilities.

Subsequently, on June 11, the Directorate General of Health Services cancelled the registration of Ad-Din Hospital in Mogbazar, Dhaka, on grounds of negligence in connection with the newborn deaths.
Prior to that, when the Directorate General of Health Services issued a show-cause notice, Ad-Din authorities requested an extension of time, which was granted for two days. During this period, Ad-Din authorities promised compensation of 80 lakh taka each to the six affected families, free medical treatment for life, and employment for at least one member of each family. However, it was not enough in the end, as the government stood firm on its decision to cancel the institution’s registration.