THE New Nation on Tuesday ran a report that selling of fake medical certificates has become a profitable business for a gang of employees working at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital. It was revealed after members of Rapid Action Battalion arrested one of the gang members from the DMCH on Monday. Fake birth and death certificates, fake injury certificates and stamps were also recovered from his possession. The arrestee, Arif, a ward boy at DMCH, admitted his involvement in the illegal activities. According to RAB officials, other employees of DMCH, apart from Arif, are also involved in the fraudulent activities. It was learnt that an organized crime gang has been selling fake injury and death certificates and other medical related certificates for a long time.
So far as we know, making fake certificates is an old business for some corrupt officials and employees of DMCH. Though belated, we thank the elite force RAB for conducting such an important operation. In most of the criminal cases, where there is death or injury, such certificate is necessary for a police report. But the whole system of DMCH Administration is so bureaucratic and corrupt that people have to face a lot of sufferings to get suc certificates. There are also widespread allegations that in many cases the post mortem reports are also available in such way – paying money. Any dead body – related to homicide or suicide – if goes to post mortem department, a section of employees become too busy to contact the victim’s family members. In some cases where there is a possibility of poisoning or internal hemorrhage, the body could be taken for burial even without any post mortem, if money is given. We do believe, the entire procedures cannot be completed without involvement of senior officials.
An intensive investigation would reveal more sensational information about the illegal and harmful businesses at DMCH. We think RAB would not spare the big fishes now staying behind the scene.
