Broker syndicates, malpractice plague pvt healthcare; DGHS launches crackdown

Highlights: 

• Broker syndicate targets poor, rural, and less-educated patients for profit
• DG Health teams inspecting private medical facilities since 23 March
• 7 out of 8 facilities closed in latest inspection
• TG Multi-Specialised Hospital shut for absent doctors and unsanitary ICU
• Advanced Health Aid Diagnostic Center shut-off, fined for patient brokering
• Doctor's Care and Diagnostic Center closed after fake doctor found treating patients

In Mohammadpur's College Gate area, TG Multi-Specialised Hospital admitted four patients without a single doctor on duty. All had been diverted from government hospitals through intermediaries – a disturbing reflection of a growing problem in Dhaka's private healthcare sector: patient brokering, medical negligence, and unsafe conditions.

On Tuesday, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) shut down TG Multi-Specialised Hospital after uncovering multiple violations, including absent doctors and nurses, unsanitary NICU and operating theatres, and evidence of brokered patient transfers. 

Infographic: TBS

Relatives told inspectors that some patients were brought by ambulance drivers, while others arrived via government hospital staff. Similar violations were found at Advanced Health Aid Diagnostic Center in Chankharpul, which was closed and fined Tk1 lakh. Doctors Care and Diagnostic Center was shut on Monday after brokers impersonated doctors to treat patients.

Low-income patients remain vulnerable

The victims are mostly poor, often uneducated citizens who travel long distances in search of affordable care at government hospitals. Brokers prey on their vulnerability, steering patients into private hospitals or substandard diagnostic centers through a calculated mix of intimidation and persuasion. 

Many end up paying through the nose, often receiving delayed, inadequate, or outright incorrect treatment. From district hospitals to major medical colleges, authorities are fighting an uphill battle to rein in this widespread exploitation.

Dr Md Sajjadur Rahman of the National Heart Institute told The Business Standard, "Brokers convince patients that private care is faster or better. In the end, patients often burn through all their money and still receive incorrect treatment. Outside hospital wards, these brokers are chameleons – they pose as relatives and easily gain families' trust."

Experts warn that the problem cannot be tackled by half measures. Raising patient awareness, expanding ICU and diagnostic capacity, carrying out regular covert monitoring, and hitting brokers where it hurts with stringent penalties are all essential. 

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakawat Hossain stressed that the government is determined to nip patient trading and brokerage in the bud, halting extra charges for trolleys and admissions, and adopting a zero-tolerance stance against rule-breakers.

Nitor shows progress, but challenges remain

Since 23 March, DGHS teams have been inspecting private hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers. Yesterday alone, seven of eight facilities were shut down for violations, while earlier inspections had led to closures, partial suspensions, and stern warnings.

Brig Gen Md Asaduzzaman, director of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, added that the chronic gap between patient demand and ICU or diagnostic capacity gives brokers free rein, despite intensified monitoring and special operations. 

At the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (Nitor), proactive administration and surprise inspections have put the brakes on broker activity, though the problem is far from stamped out.

This crisis lays bare a systemic failure: until hospital capacity, oversight, and enforcement are beefed up, brokers will continue to pull the wool over the eyes of the most vulnerable, leaving patients to pay the price – both financially and medically.