Medical centres accused of fraud in Gulf-bound migrants' health tests
Owners of medical centres in Bangladesh accredited by the Gulf Health Council (GHC) have alleged that some centres are issuing fake health certificates to workers migrating to Middle Eastern countries.
They also accused some centres of manipulating the official software system to disproportionately allocate applicants.
At a press conference held today (7 August) at the Jatiya Press Club, the owners urged immediate intervention by the relevant authorities to curb the malpractice, warning of serious consequences for the country's overseas labour market.
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They also called for swift action against those involved in these irregularities.
According to them, Bangladeshi workers seeking employment in Gulf countries – particularly Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE – are required to undergo medical screening at GHC-approved centres.
However, the GHC's web-based software system is being manipulated to divert an excessive number of applicants to some select centres, leaving most other authorised centres underutilised, they explained.
The owners also outlined several pressing concerns, including – uneven distribution of applicants through software manipulation, applicant shortage in 90% of authorised centres, extra charges at unauthorised centres, issuance of health certificates without conducting medical tests, losses faced by workers after reaching abroad, and damage to the country's image and visa complications.
They warned that if these irregularities continue, the country's manpower exporting sector would face collapse.
"We have always provided services in line with the GHC's guidelines. But a few dishonest groups are tarnishing the integrity of the entire system," said one of the owners.
In response to a question about the potential implications for Bangladesh's labour market, the owners cited the UAE's suspension of visas for Bangladeshi workers last year as a direct example of the consequences of sending medically unfit individuals abroad.
When asked about possible solutions, they emphasised that a resolution is possible if the foreign affairs and labour and employment ministries consult with them.
