While the recent temporary closure of four private hospitals and diagnostic centres in Comilla could be viewed as a positive sign that irregularities of this sort will not be tolerated, this is unfortunately no isolated incident but rather just signs of the deeper malaise afflicting our healthcare system.
From expired reagents to unlicensed operations, from X-ray rooms without technicians to facilities devoid of doctors or cleaners, the violations uncovered are nothing if not acts of negligence that endanger the lives of citizens.
What is worrying, however, is that this temporary closure could mean that they are allowed to come back and continue with this system of malpractice.
For too long, private healthcare in Bangladesh has operated in a regulatory gray zone; indeed, the familiar criticism directed at our entire healthcare system is that profit often trumps patient safety and reflects a disregard for the dignity and rights of patients, and ultimately erodes trust in the system.
Cracking down on malpractice, therefore, must go beyond temporary closures and seven-day ultimatums. There needs to be a better framework for accountability, from mandatory audits to transparent pricing. While the regular inspections, as stated by Comilla’s health authorities, are a good starting point, this needs to be institutionalized pro-actively and not be yet another reactive measure.
Healthcare has always been a luxury in our country, where the everyday citizen’s life and well-being has continued to reduce in value. However, in order to truly progress as a nation, we must get serious about ensuring better quality healthcare for all people in this country.
Our aspirations and ambitions cannot be realized if our citizens are forced to navigate a healthcare system riddled with malpractice. It is time to stop the normalization of negligence.
