Proper healthcare at hospitals, pvt clinics demanded

Locals form a human chain at Zero Point in Rajshahi city yesterday demanding early steps to ensure proper healthcare services at government and private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres.Photo: STAR

Rajshahi city people yesterday formed a human chain demanding proper healthcare services at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, other government and private hospitals and clinics and at diagnostic centres.
Organised by Rajshahi Rakkha Sangram Parishad (RRSP), around 100 people joined the human chain at Zero Point in the city.
They demanded enactment of the proposed Private Clinic Law 2010 and fixation of doctors' fees and charges for medical examinations at diagnostic centers, considering the income of common people.
The participants also urged the authorities concerned to ensure proper healthcare services at the medical centers within the next 30 days. Otherwise, they threatened to launch a tougher agitation programme.
Addressing a rally at the venue, the speakers said a number doctors are spending maximum time at private clinics ignoring their duties at government hospitals and some of them are charging excessive fees to the patients.
Due to lack of proper action and vigilance, brokers employed by private clinics are active at government hospitals, bus stands and railway station to misguide patients, the speakers said, urging the authorities concerned to take immediate steps against nearly 100 illegal private clinics operating in the city without ensuring the least healthcare facilities.
They also demanded opening of a separate unit for heart patients and urged the authorities concerned to ensure presence of doctors at hospitals at night.
Contacted, Rajshahi Civil Surgeon Dr M Zahrul Islam admitted operation of many unregistered private clinics in the city. He said they will immediately launch a drive against the illegal clinics.
RMCH Director Brig Gen Abdul Latif , when contacted, said the 500-bed tertiary hospital is meant for only dealing specialised treatment, but it is now facing a load of 1200 patients due lack of a general hospital.
“We are trying our best to provide healthcare services for the patients as per rules. If anyone has any specific allegation against any doctor, he or she can make a complaint to us. We will take action against the persons responsible,” he said.