Besides, the HC also directed to take action against three former directors and Intensive Care Unit chiefs of National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital (NICRH) as they failed to install eight ventilators which were bought 12 years back.

For negligence in duty they were also directed to pay compensation of Tk 5 lakh as they are currently retired.

The bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman passed the order in the form of public interest litigation.

The bench also asked to take measures considering the recommendations made by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).  

Before that Supreme Court Lawyer Monoj Kumar Bhouwmik drew the attention of the HC presenting a newspaper report over the matter.

The HC also directed to stay retirement benefits of Mosharraf Hossain, former director of NICRH and to inquire into his involvement over the matter.

Mosharraf Hossain will also have to compensate Tk 5 lakh if he is also found involved in the matter.

The 11-point directive said a specialized body must evaluate necessity before purchasing medical equipment and the purchase should be made following government procurement policy maintaining a high standard.

Necessary infrastructure and machineries for the medical equipment also should be evaluated after finalizing necessary equipment.

The medical officials and staff must get training for operating and preserving the equipment.

The prices should be rational and every hospital should have highly skilled body for persistent monitoring and preservation of machineries and equipment.

Appointed official would immediately inform higher authorities if any machine goes out of order, otherwise the responsible official would pay compensation after investigation if timely step are not taken to fix the equipment. 

Also read: HC orders providing protective equipment to physicians, nurses