Structural flaws in post-operative ward linked to deaths of 6 newborns

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has found structural flaws in the post-operative ward of Ad-Din Medical College Hospital in the capital’s Moghbazar following the deaths of six newborns earlier this week.

Additional Director General of DGHS Dr Zahid disclosed the information on Friday, adding that the investigation committee formed over the incident is scheduled to submit its report on Saturday.

The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday morning at the hospital’s post-delivery operative ward, where six newborns died one after another. Questions were later raised regarding hospital management, ward conditions and overall treatment procedures.

According to sources, 11 mothers and six newborns were admitted to the post-operative ward at the time of the incident. On Tuesday night, one of the mothers reportedly complained about excessive cold in the ward and requested a nurse to switch off the air conditioner. The AC remained off for nearly an hour before being turned on again after the room became uncomfortable due to heat.

Shortly afterwards, two newborns reportedly fell ill and doctors advised transferring them to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Gradually, the condition of several other infants deteriorated and by Wednesday morning all six newborns had died.

Following the incident, police initially suspected that prolonged disruption of the air conditioning system in the post-delivery ward might have caused physical complications among the newborns. However, relatives of the deceased infants blamed negligence by doctors and nurses for the deaths.

The health authorities formed a three-member high-level investigation committee and directed it to submit its report within 72 hours.

As part of the inquiry, officials inspected the ward’s environment, oxygen and air circulation system, temperature control mechanism and structural condition. Investigators said several construction-related flaws were identified in the ward.

Meanwhile, the hospital authorities expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said they were cooperating fully with the investigation to determine the actual cause of the deaths.