Holy Family hospital plagued by corruption: TIB

Holy Family Red Crescent hospital, entrusted with providing essential healthcare services, has been marred by allegations of extensive corruption and irregularities, according to Transparency International, Bangladesh (TIB).
The anti-corruption watchdog has pointed to the monopolistic power of the hospital's chairman, which allows him to exert unlimited influence over its management.
TIB alleges that the corruption and irregularities have become institutionalised, rendering the hospital a weak and compromised healthcare facility.
At a virtual event on Sunday, the anti-graft watchdog unveiled its study findings, titled "Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College Hospital: Governance Challenges and Way Forward".
The comprehensive study, encompassing data collection, analysis and report writing, was conducted from April 2022 to May 2023.
TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman underscored the challenges arising from the concentration of power and political appointments, stressing their detrimental impact on accountability and the enforcement of laws within the institution.
The 528-bed hospital currently employs 652 staff members, three times the required administrative staff. "Recruitment is three times higher due to politically motivated recruitment," TIB said.
However, there is a shortage of essential medical personnel, including doctors and nurses, to manage daily medical activities.
The TIB study also pointed out allegations of illegal transactions in the appointment of doctors, with candidates participating in the recruitment examination being demanded bribes of up to Tk 500,000.
Established in 1953 by Catholic Missionaries as part of its medical programme to serve humanity, Holy Family Red Crescent Hospital is an affiliated institution of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.

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