Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain has defended the Directorate General of Health Services' (DGHS) show-cause notice issued to Ad-din Medical College Hospital, saying it was served in accordance with the law, while the hospital has challenged the move as unlawful.
Speaking on Saturday, the minister said the government would take appropriate action in line with legal provisions after reviewing the hospital's response.
The deadline for submitting the explanation expires at 5:00pm today (Sunday).
The DGHS on Thursday asked the hospital to explain why its licence should not be cancelled following the deaths of six newborns at its Moghbazar unit on May 27.
An investigation report by the health authority alleged negligence and other lapses by the hospital in connection with the deaths.
"We are thoroughly examining the relevant legal provisions, regulations governing hospital operations and all applicable laws. Based on our observations, we are proceeding firmly and in full compliance with the law," Sakhawat Husain said.
Meanwhile, Ad-din Medical College Hospital attributed the incident to what it described as "unexpected negligence" and temporarily suspended two staff members following an internal investigation.
At a press conference jointly organised by the hospital and the affected families at the Holiday Inn Dhaka City Centre in the capital's Tejgaon on Saturday, the hospital's lawyer, Mohammad Shishir Manir, said a five-member inquiry committee had identified shortcomings in the performance of a nurse and another employee. Both have been temporarily suspended.
Referring to the DGHS notice, he said, "The notice is unlawful."
The lawyer said the hospital would submit a written response by 5:00pm Sunday and seek additional time, along with an opportunity for an oral hearing.
At the same event, Habibur Rahman, father of one of the deceased newborns, said he had filed a case over the incident and wanted those responsible to be brought to justice.
"My child will never return. However, I also owe a debt of gratitude to this hospital because my two other healthy children were born here," he said.
"We do not want the hospital to be shut down. Rather, its shortcomings should be addressed and the quality of services improved."
Asked whether the affected families had been pressured into any settlement, Mr Rahman said the hospital had not exerted any pressure on them.
He reiterated that those responsible for the deaths should be held accountable, but said the families did not want the hospital's services to be suspended.
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