Serious allegations of financial irregularities, poor management and patient exploitation have surfaced at the 250-bed General Hospital in Thakurgaon, with claims that patients are being deprived of proper services while public funds are being misused.
The allegations concern the hospital’s oxygen supply system, diagnostic services, air-conditioning equipment, generators, food procurement and the involvement of unauthorised outsiders in patient services. The claims also raise questions about oversight and accountability in the management of a major public healthcare facility serving people across Thakurgaon and surrounding areas.
According to allegations attributed to hospital sources, the government spent around Tk 120 million to install an oxygen plant at the hospital. The facility was intended to meet approximately 80 per cent of the hospital’s oxygen requirements, while the remaining 20 per cent was supposed to be supplied by Ispecta, a private company.
However, the oxygen plant reportedly became non-functional only six months after installation and has remained unrepaired for a prolonged period. As a result, the hospital is allegedly purchasing all of its oxygen requirements from Ispecta instead of using the government-funded plant.
The allegations claim that the situation is causing the government to incur additional expenditure amounting to crores of taka every year. There is also an allegation that hospital superintendent Dr Md Firoz Zaman receives commissions from Ispecta. The claim has not been independently established and would require examination of procurement records, payment documents and other relevant evidence.
Another allegation concerns the hospital laboratory. It is claimed that a large number of diagnostic machines are being shown as non-functional, leading doctors or hospital personnel to refer patients to private diagnostic centres allegedly linked to a syndicate associated with the hospital management. If substantiated, such practices could impose additional financial burdens on patients who are already seeking treatment at a government hospital because of its comparatively lower costs.
Concerns have also been raised over the condition and maintenance of air-conditioning units. According to the allegations, around 80 per cent of the hospital’s air conditioners have little more than their external casings, with essential internal components allegedly missing. Despite this, bills are reportedly being submitted and paid each year in the name of repairing or maintaining air conditioners and other heavy equipment.
The hospital’s power backup arrangements have also come under scrutiny. A high-capacity generator capable of supplying electricity to the entire hospital is reportedly out of operation and has not been effectively repaired. Despite the generator allegedly remaining unused, fuel bills continued to be prepared every month. The allegations claim that fuel worth around Tk 5 million was billed over one year even though the generator was not being operated.
Two additional generators are also reportedly lying packed in boxes and have yet to be installed, despite having remained at the hospital for a considerable period.
Food procurement is another area where allegations have been raised. It is claimed that, in collusion with the food contractor, only a nominal quantity of food supplies is received while full payment is made against the contracted quantities. Such a practice, if proven, could result in substantial losses to the public exchequer every month and directly affect the quality and quantity of food provided to patients.
The final allegation concerns the presence of around 15 to 20 outsiders allegedly working in different parts of the hospital, including the emergency department and various wards, through an informal syndicate. Patients are reportedly being required to pay these individuals for different services.
Such allegations are particularly significant because public hospitals are expected to provide essential healthcare services without unofficial charges or interference by unauthorised intermediaries. Any system in which patients feel compelled to pay individuals for routine services can increase their vulnerability, particularly in emergency situations.
The allegations against the hospital superintendent and other parties remain allegations and should be investigated through an impartial administrative and financial inquiry. Relevant procurement files, oxygen purchase records, laboratory equipment registers, maintenance bills, generator fuel records, food supply documents and staff attendance records could help establish whether public resources have been properly used.
A transparent investigation would also be important for protecting patients’ interests and ensuring accountability in the use of government funds. If irregularities are established, appropriate administrative and legal action would be necessary. Conversely, those accused should be given a fair opportunity to respond to the allegations and provide supporting documents.
