Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has extended the validity and renewal period for the licences of private hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centres, dental clinics, and medical checkup centres from one year to two.
This directive was issued on Monday in a letter signed by DGHS Director (Hospitals and Clinics) Dr Md Nurul Islam.
The letter states that the decision follows instructions from the Private Health Management-1 branch of the Health Services Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The DGHS has confirmed that this new arrangement will become effective from 2026-27 fiscal year.
Under the updated system, applicants must deposit the two-year licence fee and VAT together into the government treasury before submitting their application via the HSM website. For new licences, obtaining environmental clearance or a location clearance certificate from the Department of Environment is now mandatory.
The directive further specifies that private healthcare institutions using narcotic substances must obtain a narcotics licence, where applicable, after receiving their DGHS licence. Both the Department of Environment and the Department of Narcotics Control will be responsible for monitoring the updated licences within their respective jurisdictions.
To ensure compliance, the DGHS has maintained provisions for regular inspections of these private healthcare facilities.
Inspections will be carried out by DGHS officials, Divisional Directors (Health), Civil Surgeons, and Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers. Should any irregularities or violations of the instructions be discovered during these visits, the licence of a concerned institution may be suspended or cancelled.
