ACC inspects Savar health complex amid complaints of financial irregularities
No major irregularities observed in medicine distribution, concerns expressed over hospital hygiene
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) conducted a raid at Savar Upazila Health Complex today (6 November) following allegations of financial irregularities, staff absenteeism, and poor hygiene standards.
Complaints included improper collection of fees for patient tickets, demands for money during free medicine distribution, and the absence of doctors and officials.
The operation was led by Arif Ahmed, assistant director of the ACC's Coordinated District Office, Dhaka-2, accompanied by a three-member ACC team. The officials, dressed in plain clothes and posing as patients, inspected various hospital services.
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While several officials, including Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Touhid Al Hasan, were found absent during the visit, the team reported no significant irregularities in ticket collection or medicine distribution. However, the ACC team expressed dissatisfaction with the hospital's overall cleanliness and environment.
Speaking to reporters after the raid, Arif Ahmed said, "We received complaints that fees were being taken for tickets and medicines, and that staff—including consultants and the Upazila health officer—were often absent. During our inspection, we found the Upazila Health Officer at a meeting at the DG office, and we noted absenteeism of a few others through their biometric attendance."
He stated that during his inspection, no significant irregularities were observed in the ticketing process and the distribution of medicines. He added, however, that the hospital's cleanliness and overall environment were "highly concerning," and that he had informed both the residential medical officer and the Upazila health officer by phone. Considering the ongoing dengue outbreak, he noted, the current conditions were far from suitable.
On concerns about medicine company representatives frequenting the hospital, he added, "Officially, visits are gazetted for two days, but here, only one day was observed. We have instructed them to ensure proper adherence. We are also checking on patient food quality."
Responding to ACC officials' criticism of cleanliness, the hospital's Residential Medical Officer told The Business Standard that staff shortages and heavy patient loads contribute to hygiene issues.
"Many users neglect proper water usage after using toilets. Despite this, we have recently taken action against our cleaning staff. Indoors, the ACC was mostly satisfied, but our staff shortages remain. Two of our current aides are nearing retirement. We will try to manage with the existing workforce and have scheduled a meeting on Saturday to address this," he said.
