Following the government’s decision to revoke the licence of Ad-din Hospital in the wake of the recent deaths of six children, the institution’s Executive Director Sheikh Mohiuddin has stated that the hospital will be appealing the decision on Tuesday.
Speaking at a press conference at the hospital’s compound on Monday, Mohiuddin stated that while the institution respects the decision, the revocation is a severe blow, characterising the move as essentially “executing” the hospital.
He agreed with Health Minister Sakhawat Husain’s remarks that this action serves as a lesson for other medical colleges, adding that if sacrificing the hospital brings positive change to the sector, it was a burden that he was willing to accept.
The executive director also offered an apology for a recent untoward incident involving hospital staff and journalists.
In addition, the hospital has initiated significant structural reforms in compliance with government findings, he added. A special technical team, including experienced civil, chemical, and health engineers graduated from BUET, has been formed to overhaul the ventilation system.
Several wards, including the paediatric unit, have already been renovated, and new equipment to measure carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and oxygen has been installed to ensure positive air pressure.
Mohiuddin also assured that behavioural training is being organised for nurses and nannies following misconduct complaints.
Addressing the government’s directive to evacuate all patients within 72 hours, Mohiuddin expressed concern for those in critical condition.
He emphasised that moving extremely low-weight infants from the NICU poses a mortal risk; consequently, they have not been forcibly removed on humanitarian grounds, though no new admissions are being accepted.
Mohiuddin contested the investigation committee’s claim that the entire building is unfit for hospital use. He stated that Ad-din is conducting its own expert re-evaluation to present to the government.
Additionally, he challenged the assertion that ventilation failure and carbon dioxide levels were the specific causes of the children’s deaths, calling for an advanced state forensic investigation.
The hospital intends to file a reconsideration application with the government on Tuesday. Additionally, the bakery on the top floor has been closed, with its 88 employees being relocated.
Responding to rumours regarding the exchange of large sums of money or bribery to retain the licence, the executive director of denied the allegations. If there were specific allegations, he added, it would be best if the minister himself spoke on the matter.
