Professor Dr. Zahid Raihan, Additional Director General (Administration) of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), conducted a surprise inspection at the Bheramara Upazila Health Complex on Saturday (April 25) morning. During the visit, he uncovered widespread irregularities and ordered immediate disciplinary action against two absent consultants.
Speaking to journalists, Dr. Raihan explained that the sudden raid was prompted by reports of severe mismanagement at the facility and a recent dispute between hospital authorities and local politicians that occurred on Friday night. Confronted with allegations of corruption by the press, he acknowledged the issues and assured the public of swift resolutions.
Doctors Missing from Duty
During a spot check of the outpatient department at around 11:00 a.m., Dr. Raihan found only one out of three assigned consultants on duty. He immediately directed that show-cause notices be issued to the two absent consultants from the Medicine and Surgery departments.
Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Mizanur Rahman attempted to defend the absences, claiming the consultants operate on a staggered three-to-five-day weekly schedule. However, investigations over the past two months revealed a different reality. Records show that Medicine Junior Consultant Dr. Kazi Nazmul Haque Shaon officially sees patients only on Mondays and Thursdays. On Saturday, he allegedly registered his biometric and manual attendance before leaving the hospital premises.
Similarly, Surgery Consultant Dr. Md. Ikramul Haque and Orthopedics Consultant Dr. Md. Obaidur Rahman maintain irregular schedules, with glaring discrepancies found in their attendance registers. Locals allege these doctors frequently abandon their hospital duties to treat patients at private clinics.
Patient Exploitation and Extortion
The inspection also brought to light severe financial exploitation of patients. Investigations revealed that outside ECG machines are illegally brought into the hospital, with patients being charged Tk 260 per test. More alarmingly, patients admitted for poisoning are reportedly extorted for Tk 2,000 to Tk 3,000 for emergency stomach washes.
Nilufa Yasmin, a resident of Naodapara, confirmed she was forced to pay Tk 2,000 for her poison removal procedure. Another local, Mohan Islam, reported that hospital staff brought in an outside machine and overcharged him for his mother's ECG.
Patients further complained that the hospital’s generator is deliberately kept off during power outages citing "capacity issues." There are also widespread allegations that patients are denied hospital-provided bed sheets, essential medicines, and standard food rations.
Sharmin Akhter, an outpatient, expressed her frustration: "I came to see a medicine doctor today, but he isn't here. Two other doctors are also missing. I have been coming here for several days to no avail."
Strict Directives Issued
Acknowledging the chaotic state of the hospital, Dr. Zahid Raihan directed Kushtia Civil Surgeon Dr. SM Kamal Hossain and Upazila Health Officer Dr. Mizanur Rahman to resolve the issues immediately.
"If these irregularities continue, permanent punitive measures will be taken," Dr. Raihan warned. He strictly instructed that every consultant must work six days a week as per government rules, and ordered official show-cause notices for anyone disobeying government directives.
