Rangamati, Oct 07 (V7N) – The use of expired diagnostic kits, arbitrary charges, faulty equipment, poor hygiene and other irregularities have been found at three diagnostic centres in Rangamati town during a mobile court operation.
The establishments were fined a total of Tk 90,000 during the drive conducted on Tuesday afternoon and evening under the supervision of the district administration.
The operation was carried out jointly by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection and the Civil Surgeon’s Office following complaints from local patients and consumers.
ABC Clinic and Diagnostic Centre on Hospital Road received the highest fine of Tk 50,000. Officials said expired kits were being used for diagnostic tests at the facility.
The inspection also found allegations of patients being charged arbitrary amounts instead of the prices listed on an approved fee schedule. Officials expressed dissatisfaction with the centre’s overall management and environment.
The centre was warned over the irregularities and placed under follow-up monitoring, officials said.
At Banarupa Diagnostic Centre in Banarupa Bazar, officials found that the facility had limited diagnostic capacity despite advertising more than 100 types of tests on its signboard.
The centre’s X-ray machine was found to have been out of order for a long time, according to officials.
They said the centre collected samples for tests it could not conduct itself and sent them elsewhere for analysis. The centre allegedly set its own charges for such tests and collected money from patients accordingly.
The facility was fined Tk 25,000 over the irregularities.
A separate inspection was conducted at Panacea Diagnostic Centre in the Banarupa area following complaints from consumers. Officials found expired kits being used for diagnostic tests and also identified various management-related irregularities.
The centre was fined Tk 15,000.
Officials said they had received complaints against the three establishments for a long time, particularly over failure to clearly disclose test fees, not displaying price lists, charging arbitrary amounts, using expired kits and providing inadequate services.
Some of the complaints were found to have merit during Tuesday’s inspections, they said.
Officials said irregularities in diagnostic testing could pose serious risks to patients because medical decisions often depend on laboratory and diagnostic reports. The use of expired kits, faulty equipment or improper procedures can compromise the accuracy of test results and potentially affect treatment decisions.
The officials said the centres were initially fined and warned based on the violations found during the operation. Their activities will be monitored in follow-up inspections.
If the establishments fail to comply with relevant laws and regulations despite the warnings, stricter legal action will be taken, they said.
Deputy Director of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection Mohammad Foyez Ullah, Assistant Director Rana Deb Nath, district administration representative and Rangamati Sadar Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md Al-Muntasir Mamun Moni, Civil Surgeon’s Office Coordinator Medical Officer Dr Abdullah Al Mamun and members of law enforcement agencies were present during the operation.
Officials said ensuring patient safety, accurate diagnostic testing and transparent pricing at healthcare facilities was essential and that enforcement drives against irregularities would continue.
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