It has been alleged that Tk 24 lakh allocated for cleaning supplies and computers at Chuadanga Sadar Hospital has disappeared. There is no stock of any supplies in the hospital store, while the entire allocated amount has already been withdrawn by the superintendent, Dr Bidyut Kumar Biswas.
On June 1, the Department of Health allocated Tk 20 lakh for purchase of cleaning equipment for Chuadanga Sadar Hospital and another Tk 4 lakh for computers and related sectors. Instructions were also given to purchase materials with that allocation. But even after three months, no materials have been deposited in the hospital's storeroom.
According to the storekeeper, all the purchased materials are first should be deposited in the store and used from there. But none of the materials from this allocation have been deposited in the store. A site visit showed that there are only four cartons of disinfectant in the storeroom, and no other equipment.
Abdus Chabur, the hospital's chief assistant, said that the allocated materials have not arrived at the store. The money and materials in this sector are directly supervised by the supervisor. He is the one who can withdraw the money. Therefore, he is the one who can answer for what the money was spent on.
When asked about the complaint, the superintendent, Dr. Bidyut Kumar Biswas, initially refused to comment. After a long silence, he only said, "We will look into the matter and then we can inform you." However, he did not confirm when he would provide the information.
The incident has created a strong reaction locally. The common people are expressing their anger and saying that the disappearance of money in such an important institution like healthcare is an unprecedented corruption.
General Secretary of Chuadanga Press Club Bipul Ashraf said that there have been reports of corruption of the civil surgeon before. A similar incident has also come to light in Damurhuda Upazila Health Complex. This time, the scam of Tk 24 lakh in Sadar Hospital is really shocking.
Chuadanga Press Club President Rajib Hasan Kochi said, "This is no longer a secret. If the money from the public allocation disappears, then the question arises as to what happens to the other allocations. A proper explanation and investigation of this incident is burning issue now."
Common people demand the incident be investigated quickly and the responsible persons be punished.
