The investigation report into the deaths of six children at Ad-din Hospital in the capital will be submitted within the next three days, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain said on Monday.
The minister briefed journalists during an exchange of views at the Secretariat on the first working day after the holiday.
Describing the incident as “extremely tragic,” the health minister said both the Health Ministry and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) are conducting separate investigations to uncover the real cause, and the government is viewing the matter with great seriousness.
He said he has personally visited the hospital, and the DGHS director general has also gone to the scene. In addition to the ministry-formed probe committee, the DGHS will conduct a fresh investigation.
“By taking statements from the children’s mothers and considering various issues, the investigation will be made more effective,” the minister said.
The Health Minister said the investigation report was originally supposed to be submitted within three days, but additional information needs to be collected to produce a factual and effective report.
“The investigation report will be available within 3 June. Details will be announced afterwards,” he said.
The minister also said discussions have been held with the Attorney General to review the legal aspects of the case, and legal action will be taken after the investigation is completed.
Asked why no autopsies were conducted, the health minister said the government attempted to perform them, but none of the guardians consented.
“Efforts were made to persuade the guardians, but none of them agreed. Doing it by force could have created a new crisis,” he said.
