Government bars new private clinics near hospitals, restricts doctors’ outside practice

No new clinic will be allowed within a kilometre of any government hospital.

Doctors at government hospitals will also be barred from sitting for consultations at clinics within the boundary.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) issued the directive on Wednesday, asking authorities to take necessary steps to implement the decision.

The move follows Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain’s inspection of the Gajaria Upazila Health Complex in Munshiganj on Tuesday.

“Clinics have sprung up like mushrooms across the country. These were established through corruption and lobbying.

“We will no longer approve any new clinic in front of government hospitals. Existing ones will be monitored. Their approval will be cancelled if they fail to provide quality services.”

The minister also called for no new approvals for private clinics or diagnostic centres near government hospitals.