Rid Habiganj Sadar Hospital of brokers and theft gangs
We are concerned about the situation at Habiganj Sadar Hospital where organised broker syndicates and theft gangs have been operating openly, harassing patients and their attendants. According to a report, these brokers, in collusion with some hospital staff, routinely exploit patients, demanding bribes to speed up treatment while luring many into costly private facilities. Meanwhile, theft gangs are taking advantage of the chaos to steal wallets, phones, and other valuables, leaving visitors in distress. Sadly, the 250-bed hospital has been functioning in this state for years, reflecting a serious breakdown of order and discipline there.
Abdul Kuddus, a patient from Baniachong upazila, told our reporter that he lost his wallet with cash and documents while accompanying his wife. Likewise, Sumona Akter from Chunarughat had her phone stolen by a man pretending to help her "get a serial." Such incidents are common at the hospital. Locals say syndicates operate freely inside and around the facility, often colluding with nearby pharmacies and diagnostic centres for profit.
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Bangladesh's public health sector has long been suffering from similar corruption, mismanagement, inefficiency, and lack of accountability. The shortage of adequate healthcare facilities remains a long-standing concern, and the persistent absence of doctors and medical staff at upazila and union-level centres continues to deny rural communities access to basic treatment. Patients often come to district hospitals like Habiganj Sadar Hospital due to inadequate local services, but those mostly fail to meet their needs. The problem is also widespread across public hospitals in Dhaka and other major districts, reflecting deep flaws in governance and oversight within our public healthcare system. While the Habiganj hospital authorities took steps to evict brokers in the past, these efforts failed to bring much improvement. Hospital records show that in 2018 a subcommittee was formed, and in 2019 a list of 28 brokers was made public. Recently, following new complaints, RAB conducted a raid and detained nine brokers, but many still remain active.
The authorities must take strict measures to rid the hospital of brokers and thieves with the help of the local administration. They must ensure permanent surveillance, stricter security, and a functional complaint mechanism, so that any hospital staff collaborating with brokers or thieves face exemplary punishment. The authorities must also establish a system where patients can receive the services they need without interference or suffering. Most importantly, our entire health system must be reformed to ensure that patients receive proper care without facing unnecessary hardship.
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