22 'brokers' sent to jail after drives at Mugda Hospital

A mobile court has arrested 22 brokers on charges of sharing patients at the capital's Mugda Medical College Hospital and sentenced them to 15 days in jail.

They were arrested from the hospital area in a joint force operation from the morning to noon on Thursday (April 24).

It is learned that five women are among those arrested. A total of 32 people were arrested as suspects during the operation. After verification, 22 people were sentenced after clear evidence of brokerage was found against them.

A joint team of the army, police and administration took part in the operation. Later, a mobile court was set up on the hospital premises, where the executive magistrate immediately announced the sentence.

A hospital official, who did not want to be named, said, “The hospital has been plagued by brokers for a long time. Since they were mainly locals, no one dared to speak out easily. But the current director has been taking action against brokers regularly since he took charge.”

He also said, “The director himself is supervising, and is taking immediate action by giving importance to the complaints of patients and relatives. His leadership has played a major role in this campaign.”

Meanwhile, patients and their relatives who visited the hospital have welcomed the initiative and expressed relief. Many said that due to brokers, they do not get proper services in the hospital, and have to run outside for various tests and medicines.

The administration has informed that such campaigns will be conducted regularly and strict surveillance will be maintained to keep the hospital area free from brokers.