Online Desk

After being stripped off its licence following the deaths of six newborns, Ad-din Medical College Hospital in the capital’s Moghbazar is now seeing patients leaving in droves.

Ad-din Foundation Director (Company Affairs) Tariqul Islam Mukul said 176 patients had left as of 2:30pm on Friday.

There were 426 patients admitted in the hospital when the licence was revoked on Thursday afternoon, he said.

“Currently, about 250 patients are admitted now. The rest left at different times,” Mukul said.

Health officials said the deaths of the six newborns occurred under “unusual circumstances” on May 27.

The deaths in the private hospital’s post-delivery ward a day before Eid-ul-Azha sent shockwaves across the country, leading to investigations and a show-cause notice.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said it cancelled the licence as the response and explanation provided in the show-cause notice were not satisfactory to the authorities.

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A visit to the hospital on Friday showed that no patients are currently being admitted to the emergency department. However, services are continuing for admitted patients.

After considering the physical conditions of many of the patients undergoing treatment, their relatives do not want to leave the hospital right now.

Anisur Rahman, who came from Narayanganj, said his child was admitted to the hospital a week ago.

“He has been fit since yesterday [Thursday]. So, he was released today [Friday]. We will leave shortly.”

BM Russell, a resident of Satkhira, said, “My wife had some other physical complications, including a fatty liver. I was here for four days.

“She was released today [Friday] and that’s why we’re leaving,’” said Russell, expressing his concern over the follow-up treatment if the hospital is shut.

“My wife has recovered through the help of the doctor here. I’ll have to seek the advice of a follow-up doctor in the future as well. I don’t understand how I will reach the doctor.”

Selina Begum, a mother from Brahmanbaria, said, “My young child is admitted to the hospital. His condition is not good. How can I transfer him to another hospital now?

“Even if the government closes the hospital now, I don’t want to leave the hospital.”

Meanwhile, hospital staffers reportedly expressed their resentment toward a TV crew, forcing them to leave the facility.

During the announcement of the decision to revoke the licence on Thursday, DGHS chief Dr Pravath Chandra Biswas said the hospital authorities are still allowed to file an appeal or seek reconsideration of the licence cancellation from the government within 30 days of the order.

In its immediate reaction, the hospital sought an opportunity to continue regular activities until a “final decision” is made on the licence.

Ad-din Foundation Director Mukul told on Friday: “We respect the decision of the health authorities. We will complete the appeal by Sunday.”

Regarding the discharge of patients, he said they cannot do that “so hastily” despite their efforts.