Worried over the irregularities and mismanagement in the health sector, the government is going to launch a cleansing drive against the corrupt officials of the Ministry of Health.
The drive also includes taking action against unscrupulous people involved in such illicit activities.
According to information received from different sectors and offices, patients are being cheated in various ways amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Deals have been signed with illegal hospitals for corona treatment and laboratory testing. It is widely alleged that many of the hospitals designated for such health services have provided false coronavirus test reports, that too without conducting any test.
Allegations also say that many of the suppliers have been found to have supplied fake and faulty face masks and medical equipment and generated fake invoices to realize payment.
It should be mentioned that Italian government on Wednesday did not allow around 200 people, who had flown from Dhaka, to land in their soil due to news reports on false report of corona tests. The embarrassing situation also led to an embargo for next three months in landing in Italy for any Bangladeshi.
Former Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Dr Rashid-e-Mahbub, also a former president of Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA), said, “It is indeed very sad that those who are supposed to take things forwardoffering better quality treatment or health services, they are now busy with lobbying for personal interests.”
“Corruption has overwhelmed the health sector amid the corona pandemic. There is neither coordination nor any vigilance in this sector. This is why corrupt people are getting opportunities to cheat people,” said Professor Mahbub.
Transparency International, Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said, “We are worried over the cheating business in the health sector, especially when the country is gripped by such serious crisis with corona pandemic.”
He suggested takingall out action against such officials and syndicate who take advantages and make money during crisis moments. He also suggested getting at the bottom of the problems to eliminated corrupt practices.
According to sources, aimed at reducing public sufferings and to save the health sector, the topmost authorities of the government are now serous about taking actions against continued corruption and irregularities.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sought explanations from the ministries concerned about such alleged corruptions and irregularities.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Thursday told the media that the Prime Minister has asked him for explanations about the various scam centering COVID-19 test reports and other corruptions.
According to sources, the Prime Minister also asked the Ministry of Health to explain the recent incident of corruption and mismanagement in the health sector.
Meanwhile, Awami League General Secretary ObaidulQuader, also the Minister for Road, Transport and Bridges Affairs, on Thursday said that a cleansing operation has already been launched against the corrupt officials in the health sector.
Talking about cheating business by Regent Hospital authorities, the Minister said two hospitals of the group already have been sealed-off and a case has already been filed against 17 persons, including its chairman Shahed Karim.
“A drive has been started against those who are doing misdeeds and corruptions in the health sector,” said Quaderand continued as saying that cleansing drives have been launched and action will be taken against whoever he is.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), in the meantime, has also strengthened its activities against such corrupt practices in the health sector by increasing its vigilance. In a virtual meeting, the ACC Chairman Iqbal Mahmood on Thursday said, “The commission is going to be tough against the corrupt people in the health sector and they would be brought to justice.
At the meeting, ACC Commissioner AFM Aminul Islam informed that they are going to intensify vigilance in different government hospitals and other related organisations.
Meanwhile, as part of the government moves against corruptions, the Health Directorate has already black listed 14 construction firms on allegations of various corruptions and cheating.
