Health Minister's surprise visits: Two clinics shut, two doctors show-caused

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain conducted surprise inspections of government hospitals and private healthcare facilities in Vedarganj upazila, Shariatpur, on Saturday (August 1). During the visits, several irregularities were found, leading to immediate action against two private clinics. Two doctors were also ordered to be served show-cause notices over allegations of working at private clinics during government duty hours.

The minister began his drive by inspecting Vedarganj Upazila Health Complex around noon. He toured various wards, the kitchen, toilets, store rooms and operation theatre, and spoke with patients about the quality of services. He later held an exchange meeting with officials and staff .

The minister then inspected two private clinics and diagnostic centres located in front of the upazila health complex. He found various irregularities, including lack of required licences and documents, and the absence of normal delivery facilities .

Based on these findings, ‘Modern Diagnostic Centre and Clinic’ was temporarily sealed. Another facility, ‘Vedarganj Popular Diagnostic and Hospital’, was ordered to be shut for seven days. The minister said the facility would be sealed if it failed to produce the necessary documents within the stipulated time .

Additionally, two doctors were ordered to be served show-cause notices for allegedly providing services at private clinics during government office hours.

Speaking at the exchange meeting, the Health Minister said the required licences and normal delivery facilities were absent at the clinics. Such irregularities in healthcare services would not be tolerated, he said. He added that the facilities would be allowed to reopen if they could produce the required documents within the deadline .

He further said the government is working to improve the country's healthcare services and that strict administrative action would be taken against negligence or irregularities where necessary.

The Health Minister also announced plans to establish cancer units, physiotherapy units and kidney dialysis units in every upazila, alongside initiatives to build a children's hospital in each district.

The inspection was attended by Directorate General of Health Services Director General Professor Probhat Chandra Bishwas, Shariatpur Civil Surgeon Rehan Uddin and other senior health officials.