DGHS shuts down over 250 illegal health facilities in five months

The government has intensified its crackdown on unlicensed and substandard hospitals, clinics, blood banks and diagnostic centres across the country. Drives conducted by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) have led to the closure of more than 250 illegal healthcare facilities in the past five months. The operation is ongoing in the capital Dhaka as well as in various districts and upazilas nationwide.

According to health department sources, regular drives to identify and shut down illegal health facilities began on March 29. During this period, around 5,000 hospitals, clinics, blood banks and diagnostic centres have been inspected. More than 200 establishments have been given time to make necessary corrections. Those whose licences have expired have also been given an opportunity to renew them.

Dr Md Nurul Islam, Director of the Hospitals and Clinics Branch of the DGHS , said that alongside the drives, emphasis is also being placed on licence renewal. Around 6,000 establishments have already renewed their licences, with another 2,000 to 3,000 applications pending review. Decisions on approval will be made after verification of these applications.

According to DGHS data, a 2024 report identified 1,285 unlicensed hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres across the country. Of these, Dhaka division had the highest number with 415 establishments. Other divisions included Mymensingh with 252, Chattogram with 240, Khulna with 156, Rangpur with 111, Barishal with 48, Rajshahi with 55 and Sylhet with eight illegal facilities .

Around 25 illegal establishments have already been shut down in the capital. Drives have also been carried out in various districts, leading to the closure of private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres. Among these, four hospitals and one diagnostic centre in Faridpur, six unauthorised clinics in Tangail, two each in Shariatpur and Narsingdi, and two clinics in Pabna have been closed. Additionally, two diagnostic centres in Manikganj, one in Harinakundu of Jhenaidah and one clinic in Godagari of Rajshahi have been shut down, along with many others in various areas.

The DGHS has said the drives are not limited to licence verification. The quality of medical equipment, hygiene standards, valid credentials of doctors and other health workers, and overall healthcare services are also being examined. Penalties, sealing or closure of operations are being enforced where irregularities are found. Action is also being taken against fake doctors, nurses and medical technicians. The health department has said the drive will continue to restore discipline in the health sector and ensure safe healthcare for patients.