The authorities of Gonoshasthaya Kendra, a health facility in Ashulia, Dhaka, have been accused of taking fees for the treatment of patients injured during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Protesting the allegations, staff members of the hospital and students involved in the movement yesterday organized a human chain. They held the program in front of the hospital's entrance.
Participants said that a quarter is trying to tarnish the image of the reputed hospital by alleging that staff members treated patients in exchange for money. In reality, the students and those injured during the nationwide protests were treated free of charge.
Afsana Mizan, a student at Gono Bishwabidyalay, stated: "I sustained an injury and received free treatment at the hospital. I have also seen other students from different schools and colleges receiving free treatment.”
Khondar Noor Roni, a former student of the same university, said: “Gonoshasthaya Kendra was the first to start treating those injured in the movement, and treatment has continued from then till now. I spoke with many of the injured and followed up on them. They have confirmed that no fees were charged from them.”
Dr Golam Rahman Shahjahan, acting chief executive officer of the hospital, said: “We provided services to every patient during the quota-reform movement. Since the beginning, we have been providing free treatment. We continued to treat injured patients until now. A group claims that no treatment was provided and that there were obstacles to receiving treatment at the facility. However, we have a list of patients and data to support our claim.”