Probe body formed against Dr Jahangir Kabir’s institution over diabetes patient’s death

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has formed a six-member committee to investigate allegations that a diabetes patient died after being advised to stop insulin and follow a ketogenic diet by Health Revolution Ltd, an institution associated with Dr Jahangir Kabir.

The patient, 36-year-old Sumi Begum, reportedly died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) in February after developing severe diabetic ketoacidosis, according to a complaint submitted by the hospital’s endocrinology department.

The Health Directorate formed the committee on 3 September, asking it to submit a report along with clear opinions within 10 working days, following a request from the DMCH endocrinology department.

Professor Dr Mohammad Monir-Uz-Zaman, principal of Sir Salimullah Medical College and professor of medicine, has been appointed convenor of the committee. Dr Md Mahmudur Rahman, assistant director of the DGHS Hospital-1 section, will serve as member secretary.

According to the complaint, Sumi had been suffering from diabetes for a long time and regularly used insulin on medical advice.

The complaint, filed by Professor Dr Indrajit Prasad, head of DMCH’s endocrinology department, and other doctors, alleged that Sumi sought treatment from Health Revolution Ltd after finding the institution online.

The institution allegedly advised her to stop insulin and all other diabetes medications and follow a ketogenic diet. It also allegedly provided her with several high-priced supplements described in the complaint as unnecessary and unauthorised.

Following the advice, Sumi reportedly discontinued insulin and followed a high-fat, carbohydrate-free diet. The complaint alleged that her diabetes subsequently became uncontrolled.

She was admitted to the DMCH endocrinology department on 2 February 2026 with severe diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening complication of uncontrolled diabetes.

She died on 9 February while undergoing treatment, according to the complaint.

The DMCH doctors alleged that the patient suffered both financial losses and fatal health complications as a result of the alleged malpractice.