Current Situation at the 250-Bed General Hospital, Thakurgaon

Patients are being deprived of proper healthcare services due to alleged irregularities in the name of providing treatment, while public funds are reportedly being wasted. Patients are allegedly being held to ransom and commissions collected.

Dr Md Firoz Zaman
Superintendent

A government-funded oxygen plant costing approximately Tk 120 million has been installed at the hospital. The plant was expected to meet around 80 per cent of the hospital’s oxygen requirements, with the remaining 20 per cent supposed to be supplied by Especta.

However, the plant reportedly became inoperative just six months after installation and has not been repaired for a prolonged period. As a result, the hospital is now having to purchase 100 per cent of its oxygen requirements from Especta. This is reportedly causing the government to incur financial losses amounting to tens of millions of taka every year. It is further alleged that Superintendent Firoz Zaman receives commissions from Especta.

Secondly, it is alleged that, due to a syndicate involving the hospital superintendent, most of the laboratory testing equipment is being shown as non-functional, and patients are being referred to private diagnostic centres allegedly linked to the syndicate for various tests.

Thirdly, there are allegations that around 80 per cent of the hospital’s air-conditioning units consist only of their external casings, with the internal components missing. Despite this, bills are reportedly being submitted and paid every year in the name of repairing or maintaining the air conditioners and other heavy equipment.

Fourthly, the hospital has a high-capacity generator capable of supplying electricity to the entire facility. However, the generator has reportedly remained out of operation for a long time, with no effective initiative taken to repair it. At the same time, monthly fuel bills are allegedly being submitted. It is claimed that fuel bills amounting to Tk 5 million were incurred over a year despite the generator not being operated, with the entire amount allegedly being misappropriated.

In addition, two other generators have reportedly remained packed in their boxes for a long period and have yet to be installed.

Fifthly, it is alleged that, in collusion with the food contractor, only a nominal quantity of food supplies is received while full payment is made against the bills. Through this alleged practice, a substantial amount of money is reportedly being misappropriated every month.

Sixthly, it is alleged that around 15–20 outsiders are working in various parts of the hospital, including the emergency department, through a syndicate. As a result, patients reportedly have to pay these individuals money to obtain various services.

The allegations raise serious questions about the management of public resources, the quality of patient care and the accountability of those responsible for administering the hospital. Independent investigation and appropriate action would be necessary to establish the facts and determine whether any public funds have been misused.