Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued a show-cause notice to Ad-Din Hospital seeking an explanation over the deaths of six newborns in a single day last month.
The notice, served on Thursday, asks the hospital authority to explain why its licence should not be cancelled for alleged violations of the Medical Practice and Private Clinics and Laboratories (Regulation) Ordinance, 1982.
According to a DGHS spokesperson, the notice-signed by the director for hospitals and clinics, has been issued to the hospital’s owner, Dr Sheikh Mohiuddin, asking him to respond within 72 hours, by 4:00pm on June 7.
The notice stated that a probe committee was formed on June 1 following the deaths of six newborns on May 27 at the facility.
During the investigation, the committee recorded statements from the hospital’s senior officials, including the director general, additional director, head of the paediatrics department, doctors from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), nurses and other staff on duty, as well as patients’ attendants and family members of the deceased newborns.
Preliminary findings suggested that provisions of the 1982 ordinance governing private clinics and laboratories were not properly followed in the hospital’s operation, which allegedly contributed to the fatalities.
The DGHS said the hospital authority may submit its explanation either in writing or in person within 72 hours.
TZ
