The establishment of these private healthcare facilities, particularly in such proximity to the government hospital in Jashore, raises eyebrows. Photo: Messenger
Within a mere 500-meter radius along Ghop Nawapara Road in Jashore stands a cluster of 16 private health institutions adjacent to the 250-bed General Hospital. These establishments, neatly lined up in side-by-side buildings, present a conspicuous sight in the vicinity.
However, a troubling revelation emerges from the Jashore Civil Surgeon Office: a staggering 13 of these entities lack updated licenses, raising concerns about their legality and compliance with healthcare standards.
One prominent facility in this enclave is the Unique Hospital and Diagnostic Center, occupying floors two to four of a building directly facing the main entrance of the Jashore General Hospital. Each room, spanning approximately 250 square feet, accommodates 5 to 6 beds, yet the absence of standardized operation theaters raises doubts about its capacity for complex medical procedures.
Adjacent to Unique Hospital, the Comtech Diagnostic Center occupies the ground floor of the same building, while an orthopedic clinic and another diagnostic center share space in another section. The Popular Diagnostic Center operates on the second floor, while Labzone Specialized Hospital occupies the lower level, albeit lacking advanced testing equipment.
The establishment of these private healthcare facilities, particularly in such close proximity to the government hospital, raises eyebrows. Despite regulations stipulated in the Medical Practice and Private Clinics and Laboratories Ordinance of 1982, which prohibits private healthcare facilities within 300 yards of government hospitals, enforcement appears lax in front of Jashore General Hospital.
Concerns deepen upon scrutiny of Comtech Diagnostic Center, where allegations of irregularities abound. Operating under questionable management practices and lacking skilled personnel and advanced equipment, patients are allegedly misled and subjected to substandard care. Similarly, Unique Hospital faces a litany of complaints, including allegations of malpractice and exploitation of patients. Incidents like the mistreatment of Shaminur Rahman and the ensuing vandalism highlight the precarious situation faced by unsuspecting patients.
Civil Surgeon Biplab Kanti Biswas of Jashore expressed concerns about the clustering of multiple healthcare facilities in close proximity to the Jashore General Hospital, hindering the establishment of essential medical facilities like operation theaters and pathology departments. Despite sporadic enforcement actions resulting in closures and fines, the proliferation of unlicensed and inadequately equipped facilities persists, warranting continued vigilance and regulatory intervention.
The conglomeration of private health institutions near the Jashore General Hospital has raised significant operational and ethical concerns within the community. The alleged malpractices, lack of licensing compliance, and substandard medical environments at some of these facilities have highlighted systemic issues in the healthcare sector. Patients seeking treatment in these establishments face potential risks due to inadequate facilities and questionable practices.
Efforts to address these challenges have been initiated, with authorities aiming to enforce regulations and ensure quality care for patients in Jashore. The ongoing scrutiny and proposed actions against non-compliant facilities underscore the importance of upholding standards and safeguarding the well-being of individuals seeking medical assistance in the region.
Messenger/Fardin
