Haripur (Thakurgaon) Correspondent:
The only medical facility for the people of Haripur, an upazila bordering Thakurgaon, is the ‘Upazila Health Complex’. But now this hospital has become a haven for irregularities, corruption and arbitrariness rather than medical services. The activities of this government institution have now turned into a farce. Some of the doctors and employees are irregular, there is an acute shortage of medicines, and poor patients are being cheated. Locals complain – “It is not a hospital, now it is a place of torture.”
Officer absent even after the ACC operation Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Shamimuzzaman has not been seen in the office regularly since the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) operation. In his absence, the overall activities of the hospital have almost come to a standstill.
Some local journalists said that they have submitted a written complaint to the Thakurgaon District Civil Surgeon against the irregularities and corruption going on in the hospital. However, no effective administrative action has been taken yet. On the contrary, irregularities and arbitrariness have increased.
Hill of corruption: No account for medicines worth Tk 69 lakh It has been learned that Dr. Shamimuzzaman has been accused of distributing medicines and other goods worth Tk 69 lakh allocated through the tender (MSR) for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 fiscal years without properly accepting them.
Based on this news, the Thakurgaon Anti-Corruption Commission has conducted a drive. Deputy Director of the ACC’s Thakurgaon Integrated Office, Ajmir Sharif Marji, said, “We have initially received some important information. The matter is under investigation, it will take some more time to know the details.”
In addition, he has also been accused of embezzling Tk 1 lakh by not purchasing a projector with government allocation in 2023. Medicine shortage and drug addicts’ hangouts An on-site inspection showed that there is an acute shortage of essential medicines in the hospital store, and even sufficient saline is not in stock for patients.
A report published in the Daily Kalbela newspaper recently revealed information about drug addicts hanging out in a nursery on the hospital premises. However, no administrative action was taken on that complaint either.
Allegations of bribery and illegal recruitment in the job There are allegations that a woman named Shanti Begum has been working in exchange for bribes since 2023 instead of Mosha Suraiya Begum, who was working as a nanny at the hospital. Even the attendance machine is being signed in Suraiya Begum’s name, which is completely illegal.
Local journalists tried to contact Dr. Shamimuzzaman several times in this regard, but he did not meet them. Later, although they applied under the Right to Information Act, the post office peon said that the officer refused to accept the application and returned the letter.
Administration’s statement Thakurgaon Civil Surgeon Dr. Anisur Rahman said, “I am aware of the matter. Currently, a typhoid vaccine campaign is going on, probably Dr. Shamimuzzaman is busy with monitoring work. However, if he has not accepted the application under the Right to Information Act, then you can send it to me, I will forward it.”
He further said that the ACC has already started an investigation into the complaints of the hospital. Public anger and demands The common people of Haripur say that this hospital in the border area is their only hope. But if corruption and negligence continue here too, where will the poor people get treatment? The locals have quickly demanded strict administrative measures and punishment of those responsible.