Staff Reporter :
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has ordered to close all unregistered private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres across the country within 72 hours.
Dr Belal Hossain, Director (hospitals and clinics) of the directorate, confirmed the information to media on Thursday.
A circular was issued on Thursday following a virtual conference regarding supervision and monitoring of private hospitals, diagnostic centres and clinics.
The local government, civil surgeons, divisional and upazila health officers, and law enforcement agencies will carry out drives to close down these unregistered healthcare organisations, the notice said.
Earlier on Wednesday, Shut all a meeting of the health directorate was held in this regard, Dr Belal said.
If anyone except registered doctors are present during administering anesthesia and assisting in the operation theatre, license of that organisation as well as those involved will be revoked, adds the statement.
Meanwhile, the decision of yesterday’s meeting was informed in a circular signed by Professor Ahmedul Kabir, the Additional Director General of the DGHS.
According to the circular:
1. The country’s unregistered private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centers will have to close within the next 72 hours. The campaign will continue against unregistered private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centers. To carry out the campaign, coordination must be made with local administration and law enforcement agencies.
2. All private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centers that have not renewed their registrations, must renew those within the specified time frame. If the renewal application is not received within the specified time frame, operations of the private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres will be stopped.
3. Stern actions, including revoking license, will be taken against any organisation and with administering individuals involved anesthesia and helping OT of the private hospitals and clinics with unregistered doctors.
4. Organisations that have applied for new registration must complete the licensing process as soon as possible. These organisations will be unable to conduct operations unless they receive a license.
The meeting also decided to give a deadline to renew their license. If the hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres fail to renew their licenses within the deadline then their operation will be suspended.
