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Out of 26 established facilities in Madhukhali Upazila of Faridpur District, only a handful meet legal standards, sparking concern over the quality of healthcare services provided to the residents.
Reports indicate that the majority of these clinics and hospitals are operating without the required licenses, which typically involve approvals from various government departments such as the Department of Environment, the Nuclear Medicine Center, and the Fire Service.
The issue has come to light as complaints mount regarding substandard medical care and the lack of qualified doctors in these facilities. It is alleged that the majority of these clinics and hospitals are operating without the required licenses, which typically involve approvals from various government departments such as the Department of Environment, the Nuclear Medicine Center, and the Fire Service.
According to the Faridpur Civil Surgeon's Office, the licenses for these 26 clinics have not been renewed for several years, with only 7 or 8 clinics having the necessary documents. The office clarified that they do not issue licenses but only recommend to the director of the Health Department based on applications.
Said Anwar, the director of the Faridpur Department of Environment, stated that only 8 out of the 26 institutions have applied for environmental clearance, with the remaining 18 operating without any formal approval. He emphasized that these institutions are functioning illegally and that actions will be taken against them.
The Health Department's protocol requires environmental approval before issuing licenses, but it appears that some clinics have been granted licenses prematurely.
Mirza Akhtaruzzaman Khokon, president of the Madhukhali Upazila Clinic and Hospital Owners' Association, said that their operations are conducted in accordance with legal regulations. However, residents of Madhukhali Upazila pointed out the absence of valid documents or approvals for the private hospitals in the area.
He further said, “Currently, there is a severe shortage of doctors, with the requirement being nearly 5 doctors per hospital or clinic, yet the entire upazila has less than 7 doctors in total. This raises serious concerns about the provision of adequate healthcare."
Komar Uddin, the general secretary of the Faridpur District Branch of the Private Hospital and Clinic Owners' Association, mentioned that they have been seeking approvals for a long time without success.
Rezaul Haque Bakku, the general secretary of the Madhukhali Upazila Awami League, called for strict legal action against those operating illegally, emphasizing the importance of healthcare as a noble profession.
The situation in Madhukhali Upazila is part of a larger issue, with a total of 242 private hospitals and clinics spread across the 9 upazilas of Faridpur. The lack of regulation and oversight in these facilities poses a significant risk to public health, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention to ensure that all healthcare providers meet the required standards.
As the debate continues, local residents are left wondering about the safety and quality of the medical care they receive. The authorities are under pressure to take immediate steps to rectify the situation and bring all private healthcare facilities under proper regulation to safeguard public health.
Messenger/Fameema
