Sylhet, Sept 02 (V7N) – Allegations of irregularities and misconduct have been raised against a ward attendant working at the delivery ward of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, with patients and their relatives accusing him of demanding money for services and involvement in alleged irregularities concerning government medicines and medical supplies.
The ward attendant, identified as Shaheen Mia, has reportedly been working in the delivery ward for a long period.
According to several patients, relatives and local sources, Shaheen has allegedly established considerable influence in the unit due to his prolonged assignment there. He has been accused of demanding money from patients’ relatives for services including transferring pregnant women to trolleys and arranging beds.
Sources alleged that relatives who are reluctant to pay the demanded money are sometimes subjected to discourteous behaviour. Some families reportedly choose to pay rather than protest because they fear delays or difficulties in receiving services.
Allegations have also been raised regarding government-supplied medicines and medical equipment.
Complainants claimed that some medicines and medical supplies allocated to patients are allegedly issued in their names but are not subsequently provided to them and may instead be diverted elsewhere. There are further allegations that such items are later sold outside the hospital.
However, these allegations could not be independently verified.
There are also allegations that people from outside the hospital are used to intimidate those who raise objections. Some patients and relatives claimed that Shaheen has connections with an influential group outside the hospital and that people may face intimidation or harassment if they protest against alleged irregularities.
A relative of a patient who accompanied a family member to the delivery ward said they had gone to the government hospital expecting to receive services without facing such difficulties.
“We came to the government hospital hoping to receive treatment. But money was demanded at different stages. We faced a situation where things would not move forward unless money was paid,” the person said.
Patients and their relatives have expressed concern over the allegations involving an employee working in such an important and sensitive unit.
They have called for an impartial investigation to establish whether the allegations are true and urged the hospital authorities to take action in accordance with the relevant rules if any wrongdoing is proven.
No independent verification of the allegations against Shaheen Mia was available at the time of publication.
END/AKR/SMA/
