Ad-din Hospital’s licence suspended to restore discipline in healthcare: Health minister

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain on Sunday told Parliament that the deaths of six newborns at Ad-din Hospital were caused by a lack of oxygen and gross negligence, stressing that the decision to suspend the hospital's licence was intended to restore discipline in the healthcare sector rather than shut down the facility.

Responding to criticism from opposition lawmakers during the general discussion on the proposed national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, the minister said the suspension was aimed at ensuring accountability for those responsible for the incident.

Deputy Speaker Kaysar Kamal presided over the parliamentary session.

"When the six babies were struggling to survive, there was no oxygen available. The air conditioners were switched off, and the doors and windows were closed. Sixteen to seventeen mothers were crying and running around, but not a single doctor came forward. The babies eventually died due to the effects of carbon dioxide," the minister said.

Addressing opposition members, Sakhawat said incidents such as the fire at United Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic and the fire at the Burn Unit were accidents, whereas the Ad-din Hospital tragedy involved negligence.

He alleged that the hospital owner did not visit the scene after the incident.

"I went there the following day and spoke to the doctors. They admitted there had been negligence," he said.

Explaining the government's decision to suspend the hospital's licence, the minister said many people had pointed out that dialysis services at the hospital cost only Tk200-Tk250, which he acknowledged was true.

"But you do not cut off a person's head because of a headache. Those responsible for the wrongdoing must be held accountable. We have suspended the licence; we have not decided to close the hospital," he said.

The minister also criticised the hospital's internal management, alleging that a bakery was operating inside a section of the approved hospital building and that large quantities of plastic waste had accumulated there, creating a serious fire hazard.

He further claimed that, due to the owner's negligence and stubbornness, changes had been made to the hospital's board of directors and the owner's wife had been appointed chief executive.

The government will remain uncompromising in its efforts to restore discipline in the health sector, the minister said.

"Bangladesh comes first, and so do its 180 million people. The government has a responsibility to protect people's health and lives. As the health minister appointed by the prime minister, I cannot accept children dying without treatment," he said.