Private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres have mushroomed across Naogaon’s 11 upazilas, raising concerns over facilities allegedly operating without proper documents and approvals.
Many of these establishments have reportedly been operating for years despite lacking the required paperwork, while authorities often appear to step up enforcement only after serious incidents, including patient deaths allegedly linked to medical negligence.
Once administrative drives subside, however, some of the facilities reportedly resume operations.
Several private establishments also lack the infrastructure and environment required to provide proper medical care, raising concerns about patient safety.
The proliferation of private facilities around government upazila health complexes has added to the problem. Patients and locals allege that brokers representing private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres remain stationed around government hospitals to divert patients to private facilities.
There are also allegations that some doctors working at government health complexes have arrangements with private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres.
Patients from remote areas seeking treatment at government facilities are sometimes allegedly pushed into undergoing unnecessary diagnostic tests, even when they seek treatment for common ailments.
Patients have also complained about the behaviour of some government doctors, shortages of medicines and the irregular availability of physicians. They said these problems have contributed to growing dissatisfaction with government healthcare services.
By contrast, private facilities are often perceived as offering more attentive care and better treatment to patients in exchange for payment, encouraging more people to seek treatment there.
According to the Naogaon Civil Surgeon’s Office, the district has 115 registered private hospitals and clinics across its 11 upazilas. Naogaon Sadar has the highest number, with 43.
An application has recently been submitted to establish a facility named Science Lab and Hospital in Naogaon Sadar.
Meanwhile, Ekta Clinic at Saraigachhi intersection in Porsha and Porsha Islami Lab and Hospital have been ordered to shut down, according to the Civil Surgeon’s Office.
Civil Surgeon Dr Md Aminul Islam said the health department was working to bring greater transparency to the district’s healthcare sector.
“Whenever we receive allegations or find irregularities involving private hospitals, clinics or diagnostic centres, we conduct drives and take immediate action,” he said.
He said the district’s healthcare services had improved significantly compared with the past.
The health department would continue its efforts to eliminate irregularities, the civil surgeon said, urging people with specific complaints to submit them in writing so authorities could investigate and take appropriate action.
