ACC inspects Tk 21 crore unused medical equipment at Kurigram hospital

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has inspected Kurigram 250-Bed General Hospital following allegations that medical equipment worth nearly Tk 21 crore has remained unused in locked rooms for seven years, depriving patients of modern healthcare services.

An ACC enforcement team from its Integrated District Office in Kurigram conducted the inspection on November 9 following allegations of negligence in healthcare delivery, patient harassment, irregularities in purchasing medical equipment and keeping the equipment unused on grounds of outstanding bills.

According to the allegations, the equipment was purchased during the 2018–19 fiscal year but has not been put into operation due to a lack of necessary infrastructure and skilled manpower.

During the operation, the ACC team collected a list of the medical equipment purchased in that fiscal year and inspected several rooms at the hospital. Officials found some important and advanced medical equipment unused inside locked rooms.

The hospital's Resident Medical Officer (RMO) informed the ACC team that the equipment could not be operated because the necessary infrastructure and manpower were not in place.

The inspection team also found shortcomings in cleanliness across the hospital premises and looked into complaints of patient harassment and mismanagement of healthcare services.

Several patients and their relatives have also complained about difficulties in receiving prescribed medicines, unpleasant smells, unhygienic surroundings and inadequate facilities for patients. Some alleged harassment and mismanagement while seeking treatment.

To verify whether there were irregularities or corruption in purchasing the medical equipment, the ACC collected relevant procurement documents. The commission is expected to examine the records and evidence to assess the procurement process, use of public funds and reasons for keeping the equipment out of service.

Patients and local residents have called for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the purchase and prolonged non-use of the equipment.

They have urged the authorities to examine the approval process, tender procedures, suppliers, quality and prices of the equipment, installation arrangements, bill payments and the responsibilities of those concerned.

They have also called for scrutiny of medicine supplies, doctors' attendance, cleanliness, healthcare quality and administrative accountability at the hospital.

The prolonged non-use of equipment purchased with public money has raised questions about why the authorities proceeded with the procurement without ensuring the necessary infrastructure and manpower, and why the equipment has not been made operational in seven years.

The ACC said it would review the documents and evidence collected during the operation before taking further legal action.

sks