Why open a super specialised hospital that serves no one?
Despite being inaugurated over eight months back, the super specialised hospital under Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) is still not ready to admit any patients. Some 5,000-8,000 patients are also supposed to receive outdoor services at this specialised hospital. Constructed at a total cost of Tk 1,500 crore, South Korea provided Tk 1,047 crore as a loan. It could have been a model medical institution of the country to provide treatment at a relatively cheaper cost to patients who mainly seek treatment abroad. Unfortunately, it encountered setbacks at the very beginning due to the inefficiency and corruption of those in charge. This is very unfortunate.
According to media reports, a total of 1000 employees were supposed to be recruited to run this super specialised hospital. Only 250 people have been appointed as of now. There have been allegations of favouritism and irregularities against the BSMMU vice-chancellor regarding the recruitment process. Against this allegation, the health minister said, “We came to know there have been allegations of irregularities regarding the recruitment of that institution. The Ministry will form a strong committee to look into the matter. We are going to do this to ensure transparency in recruitment.” But we are not aware of any action being taken by the Ministry of Health so far.
Delays in project implementation have been a persistent problem in Bangladesh. The BSMMU’s super specialised hospital is, unfortunately, yet another case in point. Reportedly, the authorities have been instructed to open the hospital by July 1. Now, they are rushing to open it in a haphazard manner and asking various departments to provide funds from their income to the new hospital each month to meet the operational costs.
It is extremely disappointing to see how BSMMU is riddled with corruption and in-competencies. Even the super specialised hospital is already under fire for alleged corruption during the recruitment process. The allegations are apparently being looked into, but as we see in most cases in Bangladesh, these issues simply fizzle out and the corrupt continue on their merry way. This impunity to the corrupt must end.
Why are the authorities delaying in admitting patients when the essential medical equipment is procured and the infrastructure is ready? Every year an average of 800,000 Bangladeshis go abroad for medical treatment and it costs millions in foreign currency. When the super specialised hospital is fully operational, it is likely to reduce the number of patients going abroad. So, the hospital should start functioning with due preparation and not haphazardly.
