Members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) on Wednesday arrested 21 people from Chattogram Medical College and Hospital for their alleged involvement with a gang of brokers.
Tipped off, a team of Rab-7 conducted a drive in the Chattogram Medical College and Hospital and arrested them, said Commanding officer of Rab-7, Lieutenant Colonel Hafizur Rahman.
“The gang target vulnerable patients and their families, especially those coming from rural upazilas and distant districts. In exchange for commission, they lure patients away from government hospital services to private clinics, diagnostic centres and pharmacies,” said RAB.
He added that several of the detainees had previously been arrested for similar offenses but rejoined the racket after being released due to legal loopholes.
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There was an allegation that the brokers used to operate networks involving hospital beds, ambulance services, medicines and referrals to private facilities.
Patients are often misled into undergoing diagnostic tests at private labs or being admitted to private hospitals under false pretenses — all for the brokers’ commission.