False Lab Reports and Illegal Clinics Endanger Patients in Kushtia

Patients at the Bheramara Upazila Health Complex in Kushtia are facing severe distress due to erroneous lab reports, highlighting a broader crisis of unregulated medical facilities in the area.

Recently, 23-month-old Anabia was admitted to the complex with severe fever symptoms. The hospital's lab reported her blood platelet count at a critically low 89,000, prompting duty doctors to urgently refer the child to Kushtia Medical College Hospital for risky emergency care. However, subsequent tests at private clinics and Kushtia Medical College revealed her actual platelet count was completely normal, ranging between 179,000 and 190,000. The hospital's inaccurate report caused immense mental and financial trauma for the child’s family.

This incident exposes a severe healthcare lapse. Compounding the problem, numerous unauthorized diagnostic centers are operating directly opposite the hospital gates, blatantly violating government directives.

Authorities are beginning to crack down on these illicit operations. In a recent mobile court drive, Executive Magistrate Dr. Gazi Ashiq Bahar shut down the "Biswas Diagnostic Center" located near the hospital. The clinic was fined Tk 15,000 for issuing forged medical reports without proper doctors' or technologists' signatures, utilizing substandard equipment, and operating with an expired license.

Kushtia Civil Surgeon Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Kamal Hossain confirmed he has received complaints regarding the hospital's lab errors and promised strict disciplinary action. Meanwhile, Bheramara Health Officer Dr. Mizanur Rahman stated that a preliminary warning has been issued to the lab staff. He also noted that the hospital is struggling with a severe manpower crisis, currently operating with only 9 doctors against 25 sanctioned posts. Locals are demanding urgent intervention to ensure reliable healthcare.