Khulna divisional health director orders closure of private clinic operated by upazila health officer

The Khulna divisional health director yesterday (26 July) ordered the closure of Family Health Clinic and Diagnostic Centre, a private facility operated by Morrelganj Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Kamal Hossain Mufti, located adjacent to the local upazila health complex.

The order came during a visit to Morrelganj Upazila Health Complex in Bagerhat, a day after the health minister carried out a surprise inspection there that uncovered widespread irregularities.

During his inspection, Khulna Divisional Health Director Sheikh Md Mosharraf Hossain also instructed the district civil surgeon to ensure the proper disposal of around 30 types of expired medicines, valued at approximately Tk29 lakh, found stored in an abandoned hospital building.

Moreover, he directed that a report be submitted to the health ministry in this regard.

He further ordered that show-cause notices be issued to the hospital officials who were in charge during the period when the large stockpile of medicines expired and remained abandoned in storage.

The latest inspection follows a surprise visit by Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain to the hospital on Saturday (25 July). During his two-hour inspection, the minister identified a number of irregularities.

Officials accompanying the minister were shocked after an abandoned hospital building was opened, revealing rooms filled with government-supplied medicines, saline, syringes and other medical equipment. 

Stocks of saline and medicines were also found piled inside the building’s toilets.

Following the discovery, the minister instructed the Khulna divisional health director by telephone to take appropriate action against the upazila health and family planning officer.