HC seeks revised charts of fees of medical tests at private clinics, hospitals

The High Court today sought the revised charts of fees and charges for medical tests at private clinics, hospitals and diagnostic centres.

The court asked the authorities concerned to submit the revised charts by September 9.

During hearing a long-pending writ petition today, the HC also ordered them to inform the court about the progress in formulating guidelines to monitor the clinics, hospitals and diagnostic centres under Medical Practice and Private Clinics and Laboratories (Regulation) Ordinance 1982, by September 9.

The HC bench of Justice JBM Hassan and Justice Md Khairul Alam came up with the order and ruling after hearing the petition filed by Human Rights Lawyers and Securing Environment Society of Bangladesh seeking necessary steps so that the private clinics, hospitals and diagnostic centres run well.

Petitioner's lawyer Dr Bashir Ahmed told The Daily Star that the HC sought the revised charts as they are charging higher than those fixed under Medical Practice and Private Clinics and Laboratories (Regulation) Ordinance, 1982.

Following the same writ petition, the HC on July 24, 2018 had directed that private clinics, hospitals and diagnostic centres must display the charts of their charges and fees in public view.

Health secretary, director general of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council had been asked to execute the directives.