The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Monday conducted a raid at Rangpur Medical College Hospital following complaints by service seekers of harassment by hospital staff members and outsiders.
Led by Saddarul Islam, additional director of the ACC in Rangpur, the team interrogated several officials and employees of the hospital and inquired about their involvement in illegal business centering on trolleys, wheelchairs and seats at different units.
Abu Hena Ashiqur Rahman, deputy director of ACC in Rangpur, confirmed the raid and said the ACC team conducted the raid on the basis of specific information against some officials.
The raid continued for over three hours, with the ACC seizing some documents during the operation.
The team inspected operations of different wards and attendance of doctors and employees at the hospital. The team members found irregularities in the attendance sheet and heard complaints from patients at different wards of the hospital.
The patients alleged that staff members at all levels are holding them hostage.
Many complained that staff members overcharged them during admission at the hospital, while others said they were forced to pay extra money and their medicines were stolen during the treatment process.
Earlier on January 24, 2023, the hospital employees' association staged a demonstration on the premises of the hospital demanding the removal of Dr Shariful Hasan, the newly appointed director, bringing allegations of corruption against him.
However, sources have said that the new director has taken a number of steps, including action against corrupt employees and officials, in a bid to improve services at the hospital.
In September last year, the Health Department transferred 16 employees from Rangpur Medical College Hospital over corruption. Later in October, three more officials, including the deputy director of the hospital, were transferred over similar charges.
On January 23, 2023, Shariful Hasan, the then director of the hospital, was transferred and was posted as divisional director (health) in Rangpur division following allegations of corruption against him.