Play store
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Justice AKM Asaduzzaman has expressed concern over the absence of designated uniforms or identification badges among doctors on duty at the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), saying it was difficult to distinguish whether they were doctors, nurses or brokers.
The ACC conducted an inspection at the hospital on Thursday (November 5), during which the chairman found several doctors absent from their designated rooms and instructed the hospital authorities to issue show-cause notices to those who were not present.
Justice Asaduzzaman said patients had long been complaining that they did not receive proper treatment and often failed to find doctors when they needed medical attention.
“The issue is also a matter of concern for the Prime Minister, who has already visited several hospitals, including Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital. Today, the ACC came to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, and inspections will also be conducted at other hospitals,” he said.
Describing his observations during the visit, the ACC chairman said he found several rooms in the emergency department without doctors. Dr Tanvir, a physician assigned to the emergency department, and the head of the neurosurgery department were also absent from their respective rooms.
He questioned the lack of proper uniforms and identification among doctors working in the emergency department, saying patients and their attendants could not easily identify the medical personnel responsible for providing treatment.
“None of the doctors on duty in the emergency department appeared to be wearing designated uniforms. It is difficult to understand whether they are doctors, nurses or brokers. We cannot even confirm their identities or determine whether they are providing services properly,” he said.
The ACC chairman said it was around 12:15pm when he visited the hospital, but some doctors reportedly said they had gone outside while others said they had gone for tea.
Meanwhile, patients and their relatives were seen moving from one place to another in search of necessary medical equipment and services, he said.
Asaduzzaman said the inspection revealed several irregularities, including doctors’ absence from duty and unhygienic conditions in medical rooms.
“These shortcomings are depriving ordinary people of proper healthcare. Action will be taken against those responsible,” he said.
Asked about the doctors found absent during the inspection, the ACC chairman said the hospital director had been instructed to issue show-cause notices to them. The commission would also take legal action in this regard, he added.
Responding to questions about the alleged dominance of brokers at the government hospital and allegations that some doctors colluded with them to refer patients to private hospitals, Asaduzzaman said action would also be taken against such practices.
However, he said the government would have to take initiatives to stop the alleged commercial practices of private hospitals, as the matter did not fall directly within the ACC’s jurisdiction.
DMCH Director Brigadier General AKM Farhad Hossain said he had recently joined the hospital and had already introduced some changes after taking charge.
He assured that steps would be taken promptly to address the irregularities highlighted by the ACC chairman.
He also sought the cooperation of doctors and other hospital staff to make the institution free from brokers and ensure better services for patients.