Ad-din denies wrongdoing amid licence cancellation row

Ad-din Foundation has denied allegations of negligence and wrongdoing in connection with the deaths of newborns at its hospital, amid an ongoing dispute over the government’s decision to cancel its licence.

Speaking at an emergency press briefing on Monday, Executive Director of Ad-din Foundation Dr Sheikh Md Mahmududdin rejected claims that increased carbon dioxide levels inside the hospital were responsible for the deaths.

He said the allegations circulating in public and media regarding gas-related fatalities were not accurate, insisting that no child died due to carbon dioxide accumulation within the facility.

“We firmly state that no infant death occurred due to carbon dioxide levels in the hospital,” he told journalists.

The briefing comes in the wake of recent regulatory action by the Ministry of Health, which cancelled the hospital’s licence following the deaths of six newborns on May 27. The decision was taken after an investigation committee report and subsequent review of the hospital’s explanation, which authorities found unsatisfactory.

Dr Mahmududdin also dismissed allegations that the hospital management attempted to influence officials through bribery or irregular financial dealings to retain its licence.

“We did not go around the minister carrying money for bribery,” he said, adding that any such allegation should be clarified by the relevant authorities.

He said an expert committee has been formed based on government observations and that inspections are currently underway to assess carbon dioxide levels in different parts of the hospital. Measures are also being taken to regulate air quality and relocate bakery-related operations from the hospital premises.

Commenting on the building’s structural condition, he said the hospital would comply with any legal or technical determination if the facility is found to be unfit for medical use, including possible demolition.

Dr Mahmududdin also said the institution is continuing efforts to improve healthcare services and is providing additional training to doctors and nurses despite the ongoing controversy.

Earlier, the Ministry of Health cancelled Ad-din Hospital’s licence following allegations of negligence linked to the deaths of six newborns. The decision came after a government probe committee report and rejection of the hospital’s explanation.

Health authorities had described the incident as a serious matter of public concern and warned of strict action in case of proven negligence.

TZ