Ad-din Hospital Requests Temporary Suspension of License Cancellation

Authorities of Ad-din Hospital in Dhaka have formally appealed to the Secretary of the Health Services Division, requesting that the cancellation of the hospital’s license be temporarily suspended so that treatment for currently admitted patients can continue. According to the hospital, many of the 110 patients presently receiving care are in critical condition, and immediate transfer to other facilities could pose serious health risks.

In an application signed by Executive Director Professor Jamalunnesa on Monday, the hospital acknowledged that the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) had moved to revoke its operating license. The institution stated that it plans to challenge the decision through the appropriate legal channels while also undertaking corrective measures to address concerns raised by regulators.

The hospital reported that several improvement initiatives have already begun, including modernization of the premises, upgrades to ventilation systems, discontinuation of bakery operations within the medical college building, and broader administrative reforms.

Hospital records indicate that current admissions include nine patients in ICU and HDU units, two in CCU, forty-three in NICU, twenty-nine in pediatric wards, eight in gynecology and maternity wards, six in female surgery wards, two in female medicine wards, three in male medicine wards, and eight in private cabins.

The administration also noted that six hospitals have been instructed by health authorities to accept referred patients. However, many families reportedly consider immediate transfers difficult due to financial constraints and the medical condition of patients.

For humanitarian reasons, the hospital has requested either a temporary suspension of the license cancellation order or permission to continue operating until all admitted patients complete their treatment. Hospital officials argue that uninterrupted care would help minimize suffering and reduce health risks during the transition process.

The controversy follows the deaths of six newborns who became critically ill in the hospital’s post-operative ward on May 27. The incident attracted widespread public attention and prompted an official investigation.

After reviewing the findings of an inquiry committee, the DGHS issued a show-cause notice. According to officials, the hospital’s response was deemed unsatisfactory, and evidence of negligence led authorities to decide on license cancellation under the relevant provisions of the 1982 law.

A separate dispute has emerged regarding the license number cited in the notice. Lawyers representing the hospital claim that the number mentioned belongs to a pathology center rather than the hospital itself, arguing that the institution’s actual license number is different.

Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain responded by saying that the discrepancy may have resulted from a typographical error but would not affect the validity of the decision. He emphasized that the government’s action was based on the investigation’s conclusions and that the cancellation order remains in force.

Meanwhile, Ad-din Hospital has announced plans to file an appeal and pursue legal remedies in an effort to overturn the decision.