FROM PAGE 16

The hospital authority, in a press statement, hoped that, in the interest of patients, the government would allow the hospital to continue its regular operations until a final decision is made.

Six newborns, aged between one and four days, died within a few hours on the morning of May 27 at the hospital, triggering a public outrage.

Later, a DGHS investigation committee found clear negligence by the hospital authority, nurses and staff, as well as the absence of an on-duty physician in the post-operative room, to be responsible for the deaths of six newborns.

It also noted that severe overcrowding in a small post-operative room, coupled with an air conditioner remaining switched off for a prolonged period and the absence of any alternative ventilation system, created conditions unsuitable for the survival of the newborns.

Additionally, the building’s infrastructure was unsuitable for operating as a 700-bed healthcare facility, and the post-operative ward in question was wholly inadequate for providing post-op care, it said.

Then, DGHS issued a show-cause notice to the hospital authority asking why its licence should not be cancelled, and in turn, the hospital authority submitted its reply on Tuesday. On the following day, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said they were not satisfied with the hospital’s response.

Replying to a query at the press briefing yesterday, Prof Pravath said, “Since the hospital’s licence has been cancelled, it can no longer provide medical services from this moment onwards. Therefore, the hospital is not permitted to admit or treat any new patients.”

“The authorities may, if they choose, arrange for these patients to be transferred…If the patients seek help, we will support them,” he added.

In response to a question on whether the licence was revoked solely because of the deaths of the six newborns, he said, “The deaths of the six infants certainly opened our eyes to the mismanagement at the institution. So, the two issues are closely linked.”

After the press conference, a DGHS team led by its Director (Hospitals), Abu Hussain Md Moinul Ahsan, visited the hospital and handed over the closure order.

“We formally closed the admission register of the hospital and instructed them not to admit any new patients,” Moinul told The Daily Star yesterday.

He said beds had been arranged at four government hospitals as well as Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute, and any patient wishing to be transferred would be accommodated there.

“Patients who are currently admitted will be allowed to continue their treatment at the hospital. However, the hospital authorities will not be permitted to admit any new patients,” he said, adding that the DGHS will monitor compliance with the directive.