Probe launched over alleged malpractice in treatment after diabetic patient dies

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has launched an investigation into allegations that a 36-year-old diabetic patient died after being advised to discontinue insulin, adopt a ketogenic diet and take supplements.

The DGHS formed a six-member probe body asking to submit a report within 10 working days. On 3 September, an order was issued on the formation of the probe body.

Professor Dr Mohammad Monir-Uz-Zaman, principal of Sir Salimullah Medical College and professor of medicine, has been made convenor of the probe body.

Dr Md Mahmudur Rahman, assistant director of the DGHS Hospital-1 Section, is serving as member secretary. The other members include specialists in endocrinology and medicine from DMCH, Bangladesh Medical University, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital and BIRDEM Hospital.

The probe follows a complaint filed by the Endocrinology Department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) in this regard.

The order said Professor Dr Indrajit Prasad, head of the DMCH Endocrinology Department, submitted a complaint to the DGHS on 5 May seeking action against alleged malpractice and the use of unauthorised supplements.

According to the complaint, victim Sumi Begum had been suffering from diabetes for a long time and regularly used insulin under medical supervision.

She later sought treatment from “Health Revolution Ltd” after finding the institution online. The complaint alleges that she was advised to stop insulin and other diabetes medications, follow a ketogenic diet and take several expensive supplements that doctors described as unnecessary and unauthorized, according to the complaint.

After discontinuing insulin, Sumi’s diabetes reportedly became uncontrolled. She was admitted to the DMCH 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 DGHS order, however, does not name “Health Revolution Ltd”. However, the original complaint submitted by Professor Indrajit identifies the institution. The complaint itself does not mention Dr Jahangir Kabir as owner of the institution or his involvement in this.

Separately, in a letter submitted to the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) on 27 August, the head of the Endocrinology Department at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital referred to the DMCH complaint and alleged that Dr Jahangir Kabir of Health Revolution Ltd advised Sumi to discontinue insulin, follow a ketogenic diet and take unauthorised supplements.

The letter sought a speedy investigation and legal action over what it described as the spread of health misinformation and unscientific treatment.

Authority’s statement

Md Ariful Islam, deputy managing director of JKLifestyle Ltd, an entity of Health Revolution Ltd, said in a statement tonight (5 September) that Dr Jahangir’s name was not directly mentioned anywhere in the DGHS’s notice forming the investigation committee.

The document also contains no personal allegations against him, he said.

Ariful said that Dr Jahangir’s name was also not mentioned in the complaint filed by Professor Indrajit and other doctors.

However, on 26 July 2026, the BMDC sent a notice to Dr Fatiya Sultana, a specialist at JK Lifestyle, asking her to provide a written response to the allegations within 15 days.

In response, she submitted a written explanation, along with supporting evidence, on 13 August.

Ariful claimed that since the submission of the response, the BMDC has not communicated any formal decision or further action regarding the matter.