Sources at the Civil Surgeon’s office said the institutions have been set up without taking any licence from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). They are run by unskilled medical staff without paying any heed to the interests of patients.

Although the Civil Surgeon’s office repeatedly asked the owners to run the clinics and diagnostic centres abiding by all the rules after obtaining licences, they continued to operate them illegally in violation of the Medical Practice and Private Clinics and Laboratories (Regulation) Ordinance, 1982.

Against the backdrop, Civil Surgeon Dr M Asad-uz-Jaman Munshi recently wrote to the Deputy Commissioner to close these institutions.

The illegal institutions include Sandhani Pathology, Jaman Diagnostic Centre, Family Care Diagnostic Centre, Lab Star Diagnostic Centre and Victoria Diagnostic Centre in Sadar upazila, Doctors Specialised Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Seba Diagnostic Centre, Meera Dental Care, Maa Diagnostic Centre, Digital Diagnostic Centre and Anika Diagnostic Centre in Lohagara upazila, and Raushan Ali Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Bishwas Diagnostic Centre, Jonosheba Pathology Centre, Asma Diagnostic Centre, Ekota Diagnostic Centre, Chitra Diagnostic Centre, Modhumati Diagnostic Centre and Rosna Diagnostic Centre in Kalia upazila.

Locals alleged that the quality of services at those hospitals and diagnostic centres is very poor and many fall victims to wrong treatment frequently.

There is no trained and skilled medical staff at those institutions, they said.

“Unlicensed hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres are operating in different names without skilled manpower, posing a serious health risk. I’ve sent a letter to the DC to shut down those,” the Civil Surgeon said.

Contacted, DC Anjuma Ara said a drive will be launched soon to take action against the illegal medical institutions.