Director suspended for irregularities in buying machine

The health ministry has suspended Dr AKM Mujibur Rahman, director of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, on the charge of irregularities in purchasing an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machine.

A primary investigation by the ministry found proof of irregularities in buying a 1.5 Tesla MRI Machine, Hitachi brand and Echelon model. He also violated the Public Procurement Rules, according to a circular signed by Health Secretary Syed Manjurul Islam on July 1.

"The order is effective immediately," the circular said. The director, however, would be entitled to allowances during the suspension period.

An official of the health ministry said the hospital's purchase, which also included two generators, two digital X-ray machines and training of 11 staff, was worth Tk 21 crore.

The director, however, has partly violated these conditions. Following that, the ministry formed a probe committee led by an additional secretary that found evidence of irregularities.