Referral syndicates grip our healthcare system

Dear Sir,

Bangladesh’s healthcare system, intended as a fundamental right, is increasingly shaped by referral syndicates and prescription-based commerce. Across rural and urban areas, many patients visiting government hospitals with hope are frequently redirected to private clinics or diagnostic centers. While referrals can be medically justified, growing concerns suggest that some are influenced by financial incentives, creating a chain of commissions that burdens patients.

Government hospitals are often reduced to referral points rather than primary treatment centers. At the same time, prescriptions may favor specific branded medicines that are not easily available in local pharmacies, forcing patients to buy from selected outlets at higher costs. This practice restricts choice and contributes to monopolistic pricing.

Urgent reforms are needed: mandatory use of generic medicine names, transparent referral guidelines, strict monitoring of hospital services, and accountability for attendance and duty performance. An effective complaint system is also essential.

Shamim Mia
By E-mail