Ad-din Medical College Hospital has rejected the Ministry of Health’s notice to cancel its licence following the deaths of six newborns, describing the notice as “illegal” and announcing plans to pursue legal action.
Supreme Court lawyer Advocate 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.l
Advocate Manir said the hospital authorities believe the notice lacks legal validity. “The notice issued by the Ministry of Health to cancel the hospital’s licence is not lawful. The hospital will take the necessary legal measures in this regard,” he stated.
Manir added that two nurses have been temporarily suspended following a preliminary investigation into allegations of professional negligence. Immediate disciplinary measures have also been taken against other staff for dereliction of duty.
He noted that neither the hospital authorities nor the bereaved families wish for the facility to be shut down. However, the families have demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible. The hospital has pledged to support the affected families, offering employment opportunities to qualified members and honourable financial compensation.
The press conference also addressed a recent incident in which journalists were attacked at the hospital. Manir expressed regret on behalf of the authorities and apologised, stating that CCTV footage is being reviewed to identify and penalise those responsible. He stressed that the behaviour towards the media is unacceptable.
Hospital officials present at the briefing declined to comment directly to journalists. Manir clarified that he is acting as a mediator on humanitarian grounds.
Professor Abdur Sabur Khan, Chairman of the Governing Body of Ad-din Medical College Hospital, also expressed regret regarding the attack on journalists and confirmed that disciplinary action has been taken against two individuals, although their identities have not been disclosed.
