Govt to take strict action against hospital brokers, trolley business

Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Husain Bakul has said the government will take strict measures to curb the rampant activities of intermediaries, including brokers coercing people to be admitted to certain hospitals and “trolley business”.

Speaking to reporters on today (4 March) after an unannounced inspection of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, he said although the number of healthcare personnel in hospitals remains significantly lower than required, steps are being taken to expedite their recruitment.

Oftentimes, support staff in the hospital refuse to provide trolleys for transporting patients without a certain fee, whereas the service is provided free of cost from the hospital.

The minister assured such practices would be eradicated soon.

In addition, the minister assured that the number and quality of operating theatres would be increased and the supply of medicines would be enhanced.

During his visit, the health minister inspected all wards of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and noted that no major irregularities were observed.