Private hospital licences extended to two years under new health rules

The government has doubled the validity of new and renewed licences for private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres across Bangladesh.

From the 2026-27 fiscal year, licences will need to be renewed every two years instead of annually, according to a Directorate General of Health Services directive issued Sunday.

The directive, signed by Hospital and Clinic Branch Director Nurul Islam, said the change follows instructions from the Health Services Division’s Private Health Management-1 branch.

The directive also sets out several conditions:

Applicants must pay the two-year licence fee and VAT together into the government treasury before applying through the DGHS Hospital and Clinic Branch website.

New facilities must obtain a location clearance or environmental clearance from the Department of Environment.

Facilities intending to use narcotic substances must obtain a narcotics licence after receiving their main licence.

The Department of Environment and Department of Narcotics Control will monitor updated licences under their respective jurisdictions.

DGHS officials, divisional health directors, civil surgeons and Upazila health and family planning officers will regularly inspect private health facilities. Licences may be suspended or cancelled if violations are found.