Minister finds proof of Mugda hospital patients being pushed outside for diagnostic tests

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain has found patients being sent outside Mugda Medical College Hospital for medical tests despite the hospital having the necessary facilities.

He made the observation during a surprise visit to the hospital in Dhaka this morning (11 September) to inspect allegations of patient harassment and irregularities.

The minister toured several wards, including the dengue ward, and spoke with doctors and patients about the services being provided.

During the visit, he received complaints that patients were being asked to undergo tests outside the hospital despite the required facilities being available on the premises.

"Despite having all the necessary facilities for tests at the hospital, patients are being sent outside, forcing them to spend additional money," Sakhawat said.

He said sending dengue patients outside for tests was unacceptable as the hospital has facilities to conduct all necessary dengue-related tests.

Mugda Medical College Hospital had been given priority in receiving the necessary support for dengue treatment, the minister said.

"Even after that, if patients are deprived of services, it will not be accepted," he said, adding that necessary measures would be taken to stop such irregularities.

The surprise inspection came after complaints about the quality of services and various irregularities at the hospital drew attention on social media.