ACC uncovers major 'irregularities' at Habiganj govt hospital

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has uncovered substantial "irregularities" in food distribution and service quality at Habiganj Sadar Modern Hospital during a drive yesterday.

Ershad Ali, deputy director of the ACC's Habiganj district office, led the operation at the 250-bed hospital. The investigation followed allegations of unhygienic conditions, medicine shortages, lack of diagnostic services, and substandard food distribution.

"We found widespread irregularities in the food supplied to patients," Ershad Ali told reporters. "Each patient is supposed to receive 170 grams of chicken in two meals, but they were getting only 70 to 75 grams. Over 100 grams of meat is being withheld from each patient," he added.

According to the tender specifications, broiler chicken is priced at TK 297 per kilogram, he said. "Despite this, patients are being deprived of the required portion. Many wards were also found dirty and unfit for use."

Regarding diagnostic services, Ali said, "Most tests are being done at private centres outside the hospital. There is a cycle here — certain individuals tell patients that the tests cannot be done in the hospital and must be conducted elsewhere."

The team also inspected the medicine storeroom. "We did not find updated entries in the medicine receipt and issuance registrars," Ali added, saying that this was reported to the hospital supervisor.

A detailed report on the findings will be submitted to ACC headquarters.

Contacted, Dr Mohammed Aminul Hoque Sarker, superintendent of the hospital, confirmed that an ACC team conducted a raid yesterday. "The team was at the hospital for several hours. Another drive was carried out a month ago as well. We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the reasons behind these allegations, and such incidents will not be allowed to recur."