Patients suffer as medical services halted in Chattogram over Max Hospital raid

Private hospitals in Chattogram have suspended services indefinitely for new patients in angry reactions to a RAB-run mobile court fining the child death-tainted Max Hospital, triggering huge sufferings for the patients.

Following the announcement by private hospital owners on Sunday, relatives were returning from the hospitals with the sick after failing to get tests done. Patients are also leaving private facilities as they are not getting medical attention.

On Sunday, RAB’s executive magistrate conducted raids and found a plethora of irregularities in the hospital’s biochemistry lab. The hospital authorities were fined Tk 1 million.

A patient was forced to leave the hospital as he did not get treatment. He was admitted to the hospital four days ago.

On Thursday night, a three-member committee led by the civil surgeon was formed to investigate the death of 2-year-old girl Rafida Khan Raifa.

The panel found evidence that the three doctors had been negligent in their duties and recommended actions against them.

Later on Saturday, Max Hospital fired two of the three doctors involved with the tretament.

On Sunday, Private Hospital and Lab Owners Association General Secretary Dr Liakat Ali Khan announced the halt to medical services.

Khan, who is also managing director of Max Hospital, told the media that patients already admitted to these hospitals would continue to receive care.

Hours after his announcement, a patient came out of his Hospital without getting treatment.

Anu Talukder hospitalised on Jul 4 with the symptoms of pain in his stomach and nausea.

“The hospital staff told us that there were no doctors in the hospital. We are now going to Andrakilla as they have advised us to leave.”

The main gate of CSCR clinic at Probartok intersection of the port city was found closed.

Chattogram Metropolitan Hospital at OC Nizam Road and Royal Hospital also had their doors closed to the patients.