Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain on Wednesday warned of strict action against broker syndicates operating in hospitals, saying no one will be allowed to carry out brokerage activities inside healthcare facilities.
“Today I did not see any broker here. We will not allow brokerage in hospitals. No one will be allowed to collect money by renting trolleys. Brokers will be dealt with strictly,” said Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain.
He made the remarks while speaking to reporters during a surprise inspection of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) around 9am.
During the visit, the minister inspected several wards in the old building, the emergency department operation theatre and the burn unit.
After observing a number of irregularities, he urged the hospital director to take immediate steps to address the problems.
The minister said the hospital facilities remain inadequate compared with the large number of patients and more doctors are required and there is also a shortage of staff and nurses.
“Earlier we used to see cockroaches covering patients’ beds. That situation has improved,” he said.
However, he added that patients are still complaining about shortages of medicines.
The minister also said most of the operation theatres are not up to standard except one and noted a shortage of anaesthesiologists.
He also alleged that bed sheets and other hospital fabrics are being washed with poor quality services and instructed the authorities to deduct bills if the service quality remains unsatisfactory.
Sakhawat Hossain said the government will ensure healthcare services reach people across the country despite limited resources.
He added that the government has a broader plan to improve hospitals nationwide.
