Faridpur: The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Tuesday ordered the closure of five private hospitals and diagnostic centres in Faridpur over mismanagement and for operating without valid licences. The action came during a drive conducted, led by Civil Surgeon Dr Mahmudul Hasan, with Executive Magistrates Md Atikur Rahman and Nazmunnahar Nayeem present.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the authorities ordered the closure of Al-Zara Specialized Hospital, Medico Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Lily Private Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Holy City Private Hospital, and Ma-Moni Digital Diagnostic Centre located in front of Faridpur Medical College Hospital. Patients admitted to these facilities were instructed to be shifted to Faridpur Medical College Hospital or other suitable hospitals.

The crackdown follows a tragic incident on July 16, where a 17-year-old college student, Ayesha Afrin, died during surgery at Al-Zara Specialized Hospital. A four-member committee was formed to investigate the incident, which uncovered serious mismanagement at the hospital. Inspectors found irregularities such as poor management of the operation theatre, the absence of patient monitors in the surgical ward, and a shortage of doctors and nurses necessary for a 30-bed hospital.

Following these findings, Civil Surgeon Dr Mahmudul Hasan ordered the suspension of all services at the hospital and announced that action would be taken against the doctor involved, Atiqul Ahsan. The DGHS also inspected four other hospitals and diagnostic centres in the area, ordering their closure for operating without licences.

Speaking to the media after the drive, Dr Mahmudul Hasan emphasized that healthcare facilities operating in violation of government rules will be shut down. “It is our responsibility to ensure quality healthcare for everyone. Such drives will continue regularly,” he stated. He also mentioned that the surgeon involved in Ayesha’s surgery was an experienced assistant professor but should not have performed the operation at the hospital. “We will take action against him and a show-cause notice will also be served,” he added.