The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Saturday clarified its stance over the Regent Hospital scam and said the much-questioned Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the hospital on condition of renewal of its license. 

"The DGHS got deceived when it attempted to serve a noble job," the DGHS said in a press release. 

Rab conducted separate drives at the Uttara and Mirpur branches of Regent Hospital on Monday and arrested eight people on charge of issuing fake Coronavirus test reports in addition to charging the admitted Covid-19 patients exorbitant fees.

The government designated the private hospital for treating Covid-19 patients on March 21. 

An image, showing Regent Hospital Chairman Md Shahed signing the MoU in presence of the health minister and DGHS DG, went viral on social media and drew much criticism from different quarters.

Also read: Fake Covid-19 reports: Eight held from Regent Hospitals in city

The health directorate said Regent Hospital expressed interest to treat covid-19 patients in such a critical period when other private hospitals were refusing coronavirus patients. 

Being directed by the higher authorities of Health Ministry, the DGHS took an initiative to sign an MoU with the hospital to turn it into a dedicated one for Covid-19 patient treatment. 

While visiting the hospital, DGHS officials found it suitable for treatment of Covid-19 patients. 

Also read: Regent Group head office, hospital sealed off

Although the hospital did not have a valid license, an MoU was signed on condition of licence renewal, with a view to encourage other private hospitals in treating Covid-19 patients, added the press release. 

Following the Rab drive, the head office of Regent group along with the both hospitals was sealed off and 16 people, including the chairman, were sued on charge of issuing fake coronavirus test reports.

On Wednesday, a Dhaka court put seven of the eight arrestees on a five-day remand while the other was sent to Tongi Juvenile Correction Centre as he is below 18.

Also read: Fake Covid-19 reports: Regent Hospital MD, 15 others sued

In further development, Rab arrested Tariqul Islam alias Tareque Shibli, a close associate of Regent Hospital Chairman Md Shahed, from Nakhalpara of the capital on Thursday. 

Later, a Dhaka court placed him on a five-day remand on Friday. 

Also read: Regent Hospital scam: Shahed’s associate on 5-day remand