Six newborns die amid oxygen deficiency, hospital negligence in Dhaka

The Ad-Din Bhaban in the capital’s Moghbazar area is unsuitable for operating as a hospital, according to an official investigation, which has blamed prolonged air conditioning failure, oxygen deficiency, and serious administrative negligence for the deaths of six newborns.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain revealed the findings at a press conference held on Thursday afternoon at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 

He stated that the lack of functioning air conditioning in the small post-operative ward led to a critical drop in oxygen levels and a dangerous rise in carbon dioxide, contributing directly to the infants’ deaths.

“The probable cause of death was the prolonged shutdown of the AC in the confined space,” the minister said. “This resulted in oxygen deficiency and increased carbon dioxide levels. The deaths occurred due to the negligence of the officials responsible for the hospital’s administration.”

He added that the hospital authorities failed to control overcrowding in the post-operative ward, which exceeded its capacity. “The negligence of the hospital authorities has been clearly established,” he said, adding that legal action would be taken against those responsible under existing laws. 

A final decision on punitive measures is expected by Sunday.

The six newborns died while receiving treatment at the hospital between 6am and 9am on May 27. A case was filed on May 28, but no arrests have been made so far.

Two separate investigation reports were submitted on Wednesday and Thursday. The three-member committee formed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare highlighted several critical lapses:

- The building is structurally and operationally unfit for use as a hospital.

- Oxygen levels in the room dropped sharply while carbon dioxide rose. Nurses allegedly failed to respond to parents’ calls for help.

- The ward was severely overcrowded, exceeding its intended capacity.

- Hospital authorities did not take adequate steps to ensure proper operations.

- The committee recommended thorough inspections of buildings before issuing licences for private hospitals in the future.

The report identified the primary causes of death as the prolonged shutdown of the air conditioning system, resulting oxygen shortage, and the cramped conditions of the rooms. 

It also confirmed the absence of a doctor on duty, non-cooperation by nursing staff, and overall negligence by the hospital administration.

The incident has sparked widespread concern over standards in private healthcare facilities in Bangladesh.