Out of 83 private clinics and diagnostic centres operating in Brahmanbaria, 61 are illegal, due to the negligence of concerned authorities.
According to the District Civil Surgeon’s Office, two dental clinics and eight diagnostic centres are approved to operate, and a dozen private clinics applied to renew their licenses. Allegations have emerged that several people have died due to misdiagnosis by the illegal clinics, while patients are often ripped off by staff at these diagnostic centres and clinics. Locals said that the civil surgeon’s office and local health department do seem to be aware of the issue as they have failed to take any steps against these unlicensed medical centres, other than forming a committee to investigate the issue.
In just the past year, at least 10 people have died due to negligence by doctors in these clinics, alleged members of their families Many incidents are reported that indicate there has been misdiagnosis, mismanagement and negligence of duty by staff at the clinics, reports banglanews.
On April 30 last year, a ten year old boy was admitted to one clinic with fever and pain in his knees. He was being treated by a doctor called Monir Hossain. The child’s death is blamed on Dr Hossain’s failure to treat him appropriately.
On August 2, a 36 year old woman under Dr Abdul Mannan’s supervision died at the Sheba Clinic due to surgery related complications. Dr Bazlur Rahman, who owns the clinic acknowledged the accusation against Dr Mannan.
Later that month, a newborn baby died at a clinic run by Dr Zakia Sultana.
The next month, a 25 year old pregnant woman died at the Holy Crescent Hospital for wrong treatment.
On July 16 this year, another pregnant woman died at the Lab Aid Child and General Hospital. Three days later, a woman was admitted to the Lab Aid Diagnostics Centre and Specialised Hospital where an intern doctor on duty reportedly removed the patient’s kidney without her permission.
No actions were taken against any of the doctors for their shocking negligence and misdiagnosis, except for the formation of investigation committees, which family members of the deceased say are only for show.
Chairman of Brahmanbaria Clinic Owners Association Zillur Rahman said the local health department was supposed to look into the matter. But Dr Abu Sayeed, the district’s acting civil surgeon said: “We have already sent written notice to the illegal clinics and further action will be taken if they do not follow the directions given.”
