United Medical College Hospital is under scrutiny by healthcare authorities for allegedly operating without proper registration, intensifying concerns following the tragic death of a child under its care during a circumcision procedure.
Dr. Abu Hossain Md. Moinul Ahsan, overseeing hospitals and clinics for the health directorate, has pledged stringent action against the facility pending a thorough investigation into the child’s demise.
The incident involves five-year-old Ayan Ahmed, who tragically passed away after receiving general anesthesia for a circumcision procedure at the unregistered Dhaka-based hospital. A probe panel is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding Ayan’s death, with findings expected to guide subsequent actions.
Ayan’s father, Shamim Ahmed, has initiated legal action, alleging medical negligence against United Medical College Hospital’s anesthesiologist, surgeon, an anonymous director, and other unidentified staff from both medical institutions.
Amidst mounting public outcry, Ayan’s relatives staged a human-chain protest, demanding justice outside the Directorate General of Health Services building. Dr. Abu Hossain disclosed that United Medical College’s registration application was previously denied due to regulatory shortcomings, casting doubts over its legitimacy to provide medical services.
The investigating committee is slated to deliver its report by January 18, prohibiting immediate punitive action against United Medical College until the inquiry concludes. Meanwhile, Ayan’s family continues to seek justice, alleging procedural misconduct and negligence by the hospital staff, including administering anesthesia without proper consent.
The incident has sparked broader legal repercussions, with ABM Shahjahan Akand Masum, a Supreme Court lawyer, filing a writ petition seeking Tk 10 million in compensation for the bereaved family. The National Human Rights Commission has also intervened, directing the health secretary to conduct a comprehensive investigation and report by January 12, highlighting the gravity of the alleged medical negligence case.
