Unlicenced pvt diagnostic centres mushroom
a total of 341 licenced
diagnostic centres are now operating in city and 14
upazilas of the district
STAFF REPORTER, Ctg
Niruponi Pathology Laboratory has been diagnosing diseases without renewing its licence since its inception in 1992. During a recent visit to the above-mentioned diagnostic centre which is located at MM Ali Road of the city, it was found that the diagnostic tests are being conducted in a squalid and dingy environment which is not at all hygienic. The scenario is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more diagnostic centres in the city and district like Niruponi Pathology Laboratory which are carrying out tests either without obtaining license or without renewing the licenser for decades. Sushanta Kumar Saha, Manger of Niruponi Pathology Laboratory told this correspondent that people from low income background mostly come to the diagnostic centre. We could not improve our diagnostic centre as the building where the diagnostice centre is housed is supposed to be demolished for renovation, admitted Saha. Taking advantage of lax surveillance by the authorities concerned, hundreds of unlicenced and sub-standard private diagnostic centres have allegedly mushroomed in Chittagong. Scores of diagnostic centres in the city are seen particularly in areas adjoining Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH).
Most of the so-called diagnostic centres are poorly equipped and lack modern laboratory facilities to conduct pathological tests. Inexperienced technicians in the illegal private diagnostic centres do not have the required technical expertise to carry out the tests and eventually the patients are deprived of correct and complete test reports.
The patients further alleged that in absence of a uniform price chart, the diagnostic centres are charging the patients whimsically for diagnosing a disease.
According to the data provided by District Civil Surgeons office in Chittagong, there are a total of 341 licenced diagnostic centres which are now operating in Chittagong city and 14 upazilas of the district.
The physicians say that correct diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of a disease. The causes of a disease in most cases remain undetected which lead to wrong treatment and complication of diseases and even death. Correct diagnosis of a disease is a paramount importance for treatment. For example, a physician suggests a patient that he gets his kidneys diagnosed. Now if the diagnosis test is not correct, vital organs like kidneys may get damaged seriously. In some cases the incorrect diagnosis of a disease may lead to death also, said Dr Md Rafiqueuddin, former deputy civil surgeon of Chittagong.
The authorities concerned should look into the matter with all seriousness. The malpractice in the diagnostic centres is eroding peoples confidence in healthcare services and causes outflow of a substantial amount of foreign currency every year from the country. Exemplary punishment should be meted out to the errant diagnostic centres which deceive people in the name of providing healthcare services, demanded Liakat Ali Khan, Managing Director of Max Hospital and Diagnostic Centre.
Talking to The Independent, Dr Md Azizur Rahman Siddique, Civil Surgeon of Chittagong said that the unlicensed diagnostic centres are in no way have the right to providing healthcare services to the people. This is immoral, unethical and above all unlawful. Those who are involved with the malpractice are none but deceivers, to say the least. We are going to take stern action with the help of district administration against the perpetrators, vowed the Civil Surgeon.
