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Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain on Wednesday said an investigation committee has been formed and those responsible will be punished over the deaths of six newborns at a private hospital in Dhaka allegedly caused by negligence of the hospital authorities.
Speaking to journalists after visiting Shaheed Syed Nazrul Islam Medical College Hospital in Kishoreganj, he said the incident occurred due to a disruption in oxygen support linked to the Ad Din Medical College Hospital's air-conditioning system.
“The clinic authorities switched off the air-conditioning system and did not restart it until 4am. As a result, there was a shortage of oxygen support, leading to the deaths of six children,” he said.
The minister said police had already been deployed at the clinic, while the director general and additional director general of the health department had visited the site.
“An inquiry committee has been formed. Necessary punitive measures will be taken against those responsible. We also want to send a strong message so that such negligence is not repeated elsewhere,” he added.
Referring to government drives against irregularities in the healthcare sector, Sakhawat said authorities had shut down a number of unlicensed clinics and facilities where surgeries, including caesarean operations, were allegedly being conducted without qualified doctors.
The health minister also blamed the previous government for the recent rise in measles infections, alleging widespread corruption in the health sector over the past 17 years.
He claimed that despite repeated requests from international organisations, including UNICEF, Gavi and ADB, the previous administration procured measles and other vaccines from private sources instead of collecting them through international channels.
“They did not seek vaccines internationally because of personal financial interests,” he alleged.
During the hospital visit, the minister spoke with patients and their relatives about various healthcare-related problems.
Mazharul Islam, Kishoreganj Deputy Commissioner Sohana Nasrin, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Mizanur Rahman and District Council Chairman Khaled Saifullah Sohel, were also present.
Earlier in the day, the minister also visited Pakundia and Hossainpur Upazila Health Complexes.