A probe committee has found “clear evidence” of negligence by doctors, nurses, hospital staff, and authorities in connection with the deaths of six newborns at Ad-Din Medical College Hospital in Dhaka’s Moghbazar area, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said on Thursday.
The minister disclosed the findings while briefing reporters at the Secretariat, where he presented a summary of the investigation report.
According to the report, the post-operative ward (Room No. 2) where the incident occurred was not suitable for medical treatment.
It said prolonged shutdown of air conditioning and inadequate ventilation led to reduced oxygen levels and increased carbon dioxide concentration in the enclosed space.
The report further noted that around 50 people, including 11 newborns and attendants, were present in a 900-square-foot room, far exceeding its capacity.
It also highlighted “serious negligence and lack of coordination” by nursing staff, stating that despite a deterioration in the condition of the newborns, emergency response was delayed and doctors were not informed in time.
Administrative lapses were also identified, including the absence of a designated doctor in the ward and insufficient training of nurses to handle emergency situations.
Overcrowding and poor ventilation were also cited as contributing factors.
The committee additionally flagged structural concerns, saying the construction of multiple small glass-partitioned rooms inside the facility had made the building unsafe.
It recommended that approval for private hospitals should be made conditional upon mandatory building inspections and clearance from the Department of Environment.
While the report said the exact cause of death cannot be confirmed without post-mortem examinations, it suggested that oxygen deficiency and elevated carbon dioxide levels-likely caused by AC shutdown, overcrowding, and lack of ventilation-were the probable factors.
The committee unanimously concluded that negligence by doctors, nurses, staff, and hospital management was “clearly established” in the deaths that occurred between 5am and 9am on 27 May.
Government to take legal action
Responding to questions, the minister said the government would take action under existing laws based on the findings of the report.
“We have received the report and are reviewing it. Necessary legal action will be taken under the existing legal framework,” he said.
He added that a criminal case has already been filed in connection with the incident.
On whether the hospital would be shut down, the minister said only the affected non-ventilated post-operative room had been sealed.
“Shutting down the entire hospital is not legally permissible as more than 200 patients are currently receiving treatment there,” he said.
He further said a decision on further action would be taken within two days, and an announcement would be made by Sunday.
‘Monitoring to be strengthened’
The minister said the government is intensifying oversight of private hospitals following the incident.
“We are now much more serious. Over the last three days, we have held multiple meetings with civil surgeons, deputy commissioners, and divisional officials. Our directives and management will become progressively stricter,” he said.
Rejecting criticism over the absence of specific recommendations in the report, he said negligence had already been clearly established and action would follow accordingly.
Addressing questions on inspection failures, he said inspectors primarily focus on cleanliness and service delivery, adding that an illegal bakery and storage of flammable materials were later discovered on the ninth floor of the hospital building.
On ventilation concerns, he said the ward was fully enclosed but relied on two air conditioners for airflow.
“The problem started when the ACs were switched off. Patients should have been shifted immediately. Duty doctors were largely negligent,” he said.
Rejecting claims from hospital authorities that AC shutdowns were routine, the minister said, “I do not believe that statement. It is clear that the deaths occurred due to oxygen deficiency and hypercapnia caused by AC failure.”
On future action against negligent hospitals, he said, “We will not use the word shutdown. We will act strictly within the law. All measures will follow legal procedures.”
