234 patients still admitted at Ad-din hospital as appeal filing set for tomorrow
12 patients in ICU and 48 in NICU remain under critical care
As many as 234 patients were still receiving treatment at Ad-din Medical College Hospital in Dhaka's Moghbazar, as of this afternoon (13 June), a day after its licence was cancelled over the deaths of six newborns.
Hospital authorities said around half of the admitted patients have already left the facility since the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) announced the cancellation, while critically ill patients continue to remain under care.
According to Ad-Din Foundation Director (Company Affairs) Tariqul Islam Mukul, nine patients were discharged today, but many others, particularly critical cases, are unable to leave due to the lack of alternative arrangements.
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He said the hospital currently has 12 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and 48 in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In addition, 114 kidney patients are receiving dialysis at the facility, with 30 to 35 patients scheduled daily.
"Critical patients are not leaving the hospital as ICU and NICU beds are very difficult to arrange elsewhere," Mukul told The Business Standard.
The DGHS cancelled the hospital's licence last Thursday following an investigation into the deaths of six newborns in the post-delivery ward on 27 May, the day before Eid.
A health ministry probe committee found evidence of negligence, citing overcrowding, prolonged air-conditioning failure, lack of alternative ventilation and possible high carbon dioxide levels in the ward.
Following the cancellation order, DGHS Director General Dr Prabhat Chandra Biswas said the hospital is no longer authorised to provide medical services, and patients should be transferred as quickly as possible.
However, hospital authorities said they will file an appeal today seeking a reconsideration of the decision, as permitted under DGHS regulations within 30 days.
Officials added that ongoing treatment, especially dialysis services, must continue in the interest of patients who are unable to secure care elsewhere.
