Dhaka Hospital Patients Displaced Following License Revocation Amid Newborn Deaths

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Patients are rapidly departing the Ad-Din Hospital in Dhaka’s Moghbazar district following the government’s decision to revoke the facility’s operating license in the wake of the deaths of six newborns. While the hospital has ceased new admissions and suspended emergency services, hundreds of patients remain in critical condition, unable to immediately transition to alternative care providers.

According to data released by the hospital’s public relations department on Friday, 173 patients have discharged themselves since the closure order was issued on Thursday, leaving 243 individuals still under medical supervision. Among those remaining are 50 newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), along with 19 patients receiving treatment in the intensive care and coronary care units.

The mass exodus has left many families in a state of distress, particularly those who rely on the hospital’s specialized and affordable care. Ali Haider, a father whose infant has been receiving treatment for an esophageal condition for over a month, expressed concerns about the financial strain of transferring his child to a more expensive private facility. Similarly, patients receiving subsidized kidney dialysis services have voiced strong opposition to the total closure, urging authorities to maintain vital outpatient services even while investigations into the hospital’s management continue.

The government’s decision followed a formal investigation into the deaths of six newborns on the morning of May 27. The Directorate General of Health Services issued a show-cause notice to the hospital’s owner, Sheikh Mohiuddin, demanding an explanation for the facility’s failure to meet safety standards. Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain indicated that the provided response was insufficient, leading to the license revocation.

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Ad-Din Foundation, the parent organization, has signaled its intent to contest the closure. Tariqul Islam Mukul, the foundation’s director for company affairs, confirmed that they intend to file a formal appeal with the health ministry by Sunday, citing the 30-day window provided by the directorate for such legal recourse.

While hospital authorities maintain that they are complying with the government’s directive to halt standard operations, they expressed hope that officials might permit the continuation of essential services in the public interest during the appeal process. Lawyers are currently reviewing the case as the institution prepares to challenge the health department’s findings.