A Bangladesh Army team on Thursday conducted a raid at Rangpur Medical College Hospital on the grounds of multiple allegations of brokers’ abuse of patients and their relatives, ambulance syndicate and extortion in the name of ‘Tips’.
Led by Major Abdul Malek, the army’s expeditionary team of 30 East Bengal Regiment conducted the raid that created huge enthusiasm among the patients undergoing treatment in the biggest health service providing government facilities of Rangpur division.
During the raid, the army members spoke to the relatives of patients admitted to the departments of medicine, paediatric, emergency and ICU of the hospital about various complaints.
Major Abdul Malek also spoke to ambulance drivers about their syndicate.
Later, Major Abdul Malek told local reporters that there were allegations of bribery in exchange for providing beds at RpMCH.
There are some broker gangs who charge high fares for ambulances and a syndicate of rickshaw drivers has also been formed in front of the hospital.
In addition, there are allegations that some unscrupulous individuals are handing over diagnostic test lists worth thousands of taka to the relatives of patients in the greed of the commission before the treatment starts.
‘We have also learned from the doctors on duty that there is a shortage of necessary equipment in the hospital,’ he said.
‘We have conducted a drive at RpMCH before and arrested brokers. As a result, the nuisance of the broker gang has reduced to some extent. To eradicate this gang, we will have to continue the drive regularly,’ Major Abdul Malek said.
‘Therefore, we are seeking information about the broker gang and seeking cooperation from the people of Rangpur,’ he said.
Addressing the service seekers coming to the hospital, Major Abdul Malek asked all to convey them if they had any complaints about Rangpur Medical College Hospital. ‘The army will take care of the rest.’
The army members also cautioned the hospital staff to ensure service to patients at the hospital and reiterated that the army would continue such drives against the broker gangs and syndicates.
