Probe finds negligence at Ad-din

 
A Ministry of Health investigation committee has found evidence of negligence in the deaths of six newborns at Dhaka's Ad-din Medical College Hospital, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain said on Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference at the ministry, the minister said legal action would be taken based on the findings of the probe report.

According to the report, the hospital building was not suitable for medical operations. The committee also found that there was no physician on duty in the ward where the incident occurred and that nurses and hospital authorities failed to carry out their responsibilities properly.

The minister said the government would decide its next course of action by Sunday and take measures against the hospital under existing laws.

Six newborns died at the hospital's Moghbazar facility between 6:00am and 9:00am on May 27. Following the incident, the ministry formed an investigation committee and asked it to submit a report within three days.

The committee found that prolonged suspension of air conditioning and a lack of normal ventilation in Post-Operative Ward No. 2 had reduced oxygen levels and increased carbon dioxide concentrations.

The report also cited serious negligence by nurses on duty. It said they failed to respond adequately when the infants' condition deteriorated and did not promptly inform any physician. As a result, no effective emergency measures were taken.

Investigators found that the 900-square-foot room contained around 50 people, including patients, newborns and attendants, far exceeding its capacity. They also found that no physician had been assigned to monitor patients in the ward.

The minister said those responsible would face legal action, adding that the government was preparing to take strict measures over the incident.