The local administration, in collaboration with the health department, has closed two private hospitals in Jessore due to not renewing licenses. Additionally, four private hospitals including these two were fined in total of Tk40,000 for irregularities in medical management, and operating in an unhygienic environment.
A mobile court on Saturday led by Chowgacha Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Susmita Saha conducted the drive at these private hospitals.
According to mobile court sources, the authorities of Nova Aid Hospital and Modhumoti Private Hospital were closed until further notice as their licenses were not renewed.
At the same time, Nova Aid was fined Tk5,000 for operating more beds than permitted (16 beds and 10 cabins against a 20-bed approval), not having doctors and nurses available at all times, and storing regular food alongside medicines in the hospital fridge. Similarly, Madhumati Hospital was fined Tk5,000 for operating more beds than allowed and for the absence of constant medical staff.
On the other hand, Pallabi Clinic and Diagnostic Center were fined Tk10,000 for operating more beds than permitted, unhygienic conditions, and lack of medical staff. Mayer Doa Private Hospital was fined Tk20,000 for fragile infrastructure, unhygienic conditions, operating more beds than permitted, lack of medical staff, and failing to provide medical service records.
The court sources said almost all the hospitals inspected had stored regular food items in the same refrigerators as life-saving drugs.
Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Lutfunnahar said: “Following the health minister's strict orders, the health department, led by the UNO, conducted a drive at private clinics on Saturday. During the drive, two hospitals were closed until further notice for not renewing licences and four private hospitals were fined a total of Tk 40,000 for irregularities medical management.”
On Thursday, a mobile court in Jessore fined and sealed four private clinics, in total of Tk20,000.
Hasina Clinic in the Palbari area of the city was fined Tk5,000 for not having a license and operating an operation theatre in unhygienic conditions.
Besides, Modern Hospital at Ghop Central Road was fined Tk5,000 and the institution was fully sealed, Labzone Clinic at Daratana was fined Tk5,000, Operation Theatre was sealed and Popular Hospital was fined Tk5,000.
