Irregularities, mismanagement plague upazila health complex in Lakshmipur

Kamalnagar Upazila Health Complex in Lakshmipur, the only government healthcare facility for nearly 250,000 people in the Meghna coastal region, is reportedly running amid widespread irregularities, corruption and mismanagement.
Despite visible infrastructural development and the government supplying modern medical equipment, patients are allegedly being deprived of proper treatment due to doctors’ irregular attendance, late arrival at duty and overall negligence.
Hospital sources said various essential diagnostic services, including pathology and X-ray tests, are not being conducted regularly although the equipment is available. A digital X-ray machine purchased at a cost of crores of taka and a modern generator remain unused and kept boxed, they added.
The condition of patient toilets at the hospital is also poor. Of the two toilets available, one remains locked, forcing both male and female patients to use the same facility.
Patients and their relatives alleged that many people leave the hospital without receiving necessary services and demanded immediate measures to address the ongoing problems.
Earlier, on 4 August 2025, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) conducted an undercover raid at the health complex following allegations of irregularities and corruption.
During the raid, ACC officials found that patients were being served poor-quality food that did not comply with the prescribed diet chart. They also found allegations that patients were not given medicines from hospital stock and were instead forced to buy them outside after paying money.
The ACC also received complaints that patients were admitted in exchange for money, ward boys were performing medical tasks and doctors were often absent from duty.
A recent visit to the hospital found that although outdoor services are scheduled from 8am to 2:30pm, the ticket counter often does not open before 10am and doctors arrive much later.
Local residents Solaiman and Hannan alleged that specialist doctors rarely attend the hospital as they remain busy with private practice at home and in private clinics.
Pharmacy owners near the hospital gate claimed that several private diagnostic centres operate nearby and maintain close links with hospital officials. They alleged that some doctors working at the hospital also own diagnostic laboratories and refer patients there for tests.
They further claimed that a powerful broker syndicate, involving hospital staff, office assistants and nurses, is active in diverting patients to private facilities.
Ayesha Begum, admitted to the hospital with pregnancy complications, reportedly remained without being examined by a doctor for two days. Her relatives said they were forced to seek treatment from a specialist outside the hospital due to the lack of proper care.
Another patient, Khadija Begum, alleged that despite being admitted for two days, she did not receive adequate treatment.
“I am not getting any service here. All medicines and tests have to be done outside. What is the benefit of being admitted here?” she said, adding that she planned to leave the hospital.
When contacted, Upazila Health Officer Dr Mahbubur Rahman said he had recently joined the hospital and would look into the allegations and take necessary action.