Most clinics in Barisal city operate illegally

Another 15 have applied for registration but are doing brisk business.

But most of the centres and laboratories, having licence or not, are ill equipped. They do not have modern operation theatre, full time doctors, nurses and ambulances.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Test results obtained from different centres often vary widely, putting patients in bewildering situations.

Good sanitation and proper disposal clinical waste are unthinkable in most of the clinics, mainly manned by doctors working at government hospitals.

The clinics have brokers to collect patients. People coming from villages and remote areas allured there with promises of good treatment at lesser costs. The brokers get commission for this.

Acknowledging this chaotic health care system, Barisal Civil Surgeon Dr Abdul Malek said, there is a committee comprising representatives of the CS, DC and BCC for issuing license for opening clinics and diagnostic centres.

Burt no body cares for that. They take a trade license from the City Corporation and start the business illegally, he said.

Dr. Aziz Rahim, president of Barisal unit of Bangladesh medical Association (BMA) said loopholes in laws are responsible for mushroom growth of illegally operating clinics and diagnostic centres.

When contacted, Inspector Jahangir Molla of BCC's Health Department said it is the responsibility of the government's health department to monitor the clinics and diagnostic centres.