71 clinics out of 96 in CHT illegal
Brokers move at government hospitals to woo patients to private clinics
Seventy-one clinics are operating illegally in 25 upazillas in three hill districts.
According to civil surgeon's offices in Khagrachhari, Bandarban and Rangamati, there are 96 clinics in the three districts. Only 25 are registered and the rest 71 are unregistered and operating without government authorisation or license.
Depending on these clinics, pathological laboratories and diagnostic centers have mushroomed, which are cashing in on patients' plight. Most of the clinics are manned by a section of government doctors.
Brokers move in freely at government hospitals to woo patients to private clinics, sources alleged. A section of nurses and other staff at government hospitals also work as brokers, many patients and their attendants alleged while talking to this correspondent recently.
During this correspondent visits to one such private clinic in Khagrachhari town, some patients said they had to spent a lot of money for so many diagnostics tests which are seemingly unnecessary. But they are not getting proper treatment, they alleged.
During this correspondent's visit to Khagrachhari Adhunik Sadar Hospital, Bandarban Zilla Sadar Hospital and three other upazilla health complexes in Khagrachhari, some brokers admitted that they are paid to lure patients to private clinics.
Broker Mahim said he gets between Tk 200 and 250 from a clinic for luring a patient. “It is the lone source of income for my family”.
But he does not think it illegal. “As doctors are also involved in the process, I do not think it unethical”, Mahim said.
Staff of government hospitals also get commission for sending patients.
When asked, Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Dr Sanjib Tripura at Khagrachhari Adhunik Sadar Hospital said steps have been taken to restrict brokers from entering the hospital.
Khagrachhari Civil Surgeon Dr. Abu Taher said there are only nine registered clinics out of 41 in the district.
He said a 5-member committee has been formed to probe the matter.
Rangamati Civil Surgeon Dr. Mohammad Abdullah said there are nine registered clinics out of 36 in the district. Some 10 clinics have applied for registration, he added.
He said joint forces earlier closed nine illegal clinics but all resumed operation.
Sources at Bandarban civil surgeon's office said only seven out of 28 clinics in the district have licences. Most of the licensed clinics and diagnostic centers are poorly equipped with manpower and instrument, the sources said.
Bandarban civil surgeon Dr. Sayed Abdus Salam was not available on telephone.
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