92% of clinics in Madaripur operating without approval
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
The number of private clinics, hospitals and diagnostic centers is increasing in Madaripur. Although these facilities display attractive signboards, doctors’ names and promises of modern services, questions have been raised about their authorization and quality of care. In some cases, there are doubts about doctors’ availability. Other facilities have been accused of maintaining unhygienic environments or continuing operations even after their licenses were revoked.
According to data from the Civil Surgeon’s Office, only 14 of the 177 private healthcare facilities across the district’s five upazilas have licenses. This means approximately 92% of the facilities operate without licenses.
The current licensing status of some facilities is unclear. Others face complications with renewals, while some have been accused of continuing operations after their licenses were revoked. One such facility is Tekerhat General Hospital in Rajoir Upazila. The health department revoked its license in 2022 because it failed to meet the required conditions. However, allegations have emerged that the hospital is still operating.
Similar allegations have been raised against Life Care Digital Lab and Hospital in the Panchthola intersection area of the same upazila. The facility operates from a tin shed on the second floor of a building. Although its signboard displays photographs and profiles of various doctors, local residents have expressed doubts about whether they regularly see patients there.
Several patients and their relatives have also accused the facility of attracting patients and referring them to other hospitals. They claim that people seeking treatment are told to go to another facility.
Saber Islam, who sought treatment there, said he was taken to another hospital when he went to the facility for medical care. He later felt that the facility he had originally visited was not providing the expected treatment.
Patients have also accused the facility of recommending unnecessary medical tests. Malati Baroi, who came for treatment from Amgram in Rajoir Upazila, said, “She went to Life Care Digital Lab and Hospital last Monday with abdominal pain. She was advised to undergo several tests.”
According to Malati Baroi, “I only had abdominal pain, but they kept recommending one test after another. When I later said I did not want to receive treatment there, they told me that if I came there, I had to receive treatment. Their activities were making me feel even more unwell.”
However, some facilities applied for license renewals eight or nine years ago but have yet to receive them. The Civil Surgeon’s Office said many facilities have deficiencies in their required documents. Some applications have remained pending for years because of complications in collecting documents from different offices and completing the approval process.
Shamim Hossain, director of Tekerhat General Hospital, claimed that the necessary documents had been submitted for license renewal. He hopes to receive the renewed license within a few days.
However, applying for a license is not the same as receiving approval. A pending application does not automatically grant a facility the legal right to continue providing healthcare indefinitely. In such cases, it is essential to verify the current legal status of each facility and take the necessary measures. Local residents allege that some facilities have been able to continue irregular practices for years because of a lack of regular inspections and monitoring. Allegations have also emerged that individuals associated with some facilities have financial connections with them.
When seeking treatment at private healthcare facilities, patients generally rely on signboards, doctors’ credentials and assurances from staff. However, it is difficult for them to verify whether a facility has a valid license, whether its testing equipment meets the required standards or whether it has adequately qualified personnel. As a result, receiving treatment at facilities facing questions about their authorization and service quality can expose patients to unnecessary tests, additional expenses or inadequate care. Patients and their relatives believe that incorrect diagnoses or delays in treatment can also lead to physical complications.
The administration has announced plans to conduct mobile court operations against illegal clinics and diagnostic centers soon. Madaripur Civil Surgeon Dr. Mohammad Shariful Abedin Kamal said operations against facilities running clinics without licenses would continue. Facilities that have not renewed their licenses must complete the renewal process promptly. Otherwise, their licenses will be revoked. A list of unlicensed facilities will also be prepared, and action will be taken against them.
Deputy Commissioner of Madaripur Marzina Akter also said facilities operating without licenses would be brought under the law through mobile court operations.
