It’s plagued by irregularities, corruption
The Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College Hospital has been plagued by irregularities, corruption, and autocracy, according to a report by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).
The quality of service in this hospital has significantly deteriorated due to internal politics, with the chairman of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society bearing sole responsibility for this degradation, TIB said while presenting its report yesterday.
TIB researchers Taslima Akter and Mahfuzul Haque presented their report at a virtual press conference titled "Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College Hospital: Challenges of Good Governance and Ways to Overcome".
Mentionable, the hospital is a non-profit healthcare organisation under the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.
TIB report revealed that, on average, 300 out of the hospital's 528 beds are occupied by patients. Consequently, the hospital's income has declined due to the inability to admit enough patients.
Furthermore, the report indicates that the hospital has employed three times more staff than necessary to operate effectively, resulting in 208 employees having no work to do.
These appointments were made based on political considerations.
The TIB report also highlighted the dissatisfaction of patients with the quality of service provided.
The corruption watchdog has received information regarding various irregularities, including procurement and promotion malpractices.
TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman emphasised the lack of good governance in all aspects of the hospital's operations, expressing deep concern and distress regarding the current state of the hospital.
Despite repeated attempts, Maj Gen (rtd) ATM Abdul Wahab, chairman of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, could not be reached via phone or text messages.
To restore the hospital's reputation and improve the quality of its services, TIB put forth some recommendations.
These include establishing a structured workforce, eliminating political interference, and introducing transparency in management.
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