We are highly shocked at a piece of news that Chuadanga General Hospital, a major public health facility at the district level, is facing widespread corruption and mismanagement. Such a hopeless picture of a government-run hospital is clearly indicative of what is actually going on there in the name of rendering health service for the ailing people. Indulgence of the hospital authorities in any evil practices instead of providing proper health care for the hapless patients can in no way be accepted in the life-saving sector.
A news item headlined ‘Corruption, mismanagement plague Chuadanga Hospital’ was published in the issue of the Bangladesh Post on Tuesday, depicting a dismal state of the public hospital so far as corruption and irregularities are concerned.
According the report, Chuadanga General Hospital got allocation of Tk 24 lakh for purchasing cleaning materials and computers, but the amount has been embezzled allegedly by superintendent of the hospital.
The report says the Department of Health on June 1 allocated Tk 10 lakh for purchasing cleaning equipment and Tk 4 lakh for computers. But even after three months, there has been no record of the purchase as hospital storeroom was found empty. “All the purchased materials are supposed to be deposited in the hospital storeroom, but no materials have been kept there,” the storekeeper said. A site visit by officials concerned show that there is no cleaning materials and computers in the storeroom except for only four cartoons of disinfectant.
Local people are also aggrieved at the rampant ‘corruption and irregularities at Chuadanga General Hospital. They came down heavily on the hospital authorities over the alleged corruption at the major public hospital in the district. Earlier, allegation of corruption was brought against the civil surgeon of the hospital.
Superintendent of the hospital Dr Bidyut Kumar initially refused to make any comment to journalists about the allegation. However, after a brief silence, he said, ”We’ll look into the matter and inform you later.” But he still keeps mum on the matter, raising brows about his honesty.
It is quite unacceptable that a public hospital is running without showing any accountability as it manifests utter negligence to the patients as well as an attitude of defiance towards the higher authorities concerned.
There are also allegations of corruption and irregularities at different public hospitals across the country. We are stunned when we hear any unethical practices at health facilities because it involves the health of the nation. People, particularly from low and middle income group, goes to a public hospital for affordable treatment. So, it is quite understandable what is happening with the patients under such unhealthy situation.
We hope, the government will take the allegation of corruption seriously and take immediate action against those involved in misdeeds at hospitals and ensure proper treatment for the patients.
