Trading on disease

Patients are cheated because they get misleading reports as most of the disgnotic centers are not properly equipped with instruments, some patients and sources at the centres alleged.

Poor and illiterate patients coming from rural areas often fall prey to the worongdoing.

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It is alleged that doctors often prescribe unnecessary tests. They get 40 to 50 per cent commission for this, it is alleged.

There are least 50 diagnostic centres and private clinics in the district, only 18 of those registered with the Department of Health (DoH), according to records at the Civil surgeon's office.

About 100 doctors including some at government hospitals are involved with the unregistered diagnostic centres.

Some of the unregistered clinics and diagnostic centres are operating for long with "temporary approval" from the DoH .

Taking the advantage, luring patients from government hospitals has also become a profession.

When contacted, Civil Surgeon Dr. Nazrul Hossain Choudhury said it is the job of the DoH to check and take action against the unregistered clinics and diagnostic centres.

He however said he prepared a list of unregistered clinics and diagnostic centres and asked the DoH to take action.

The Deputy Commissioner said he will sit with official concerned on the matter.

As per law, prior approval from the DoH is needed to open a clinic or a diagnostic. The centres are running by maintaining close contact with a section of DoH officials, the sources claimed.

"We have applied to the DoH for approval and will get soon", said an owner of a diagnostic centre in the town.