Incident of frequent thefts at RMCH causes concern for inmates

RANGPUR, Oct 26:  Incidents of theft have risen alarmingly at Rangpur Medical College Hospital (RMCH) in recent days while the authorities concerned are yet to take adequate steps in this regard.  
According to sources at least 50 theft incidents took place during last 20 days in 40 wards of the hospital. It is alleged that a syndicate of thieves in collusion with a section of employees and staffs of the hospital are committing such crimes frequently while the authorities concerned are turning a blind eye to the matter.
A number of patients and attendants including Rasheda from Nilphamari, Aslam from Kurigram, Hakim Ali from Piraganj told FE that they are in trouble as many of their valuable goods including mobile phones, medicines and money etc were stolen over the last few days. They informed the authorities of the matter but no step has been taken so far, they alleged. "We feel totally insecure in the hospital", they added.
It is alleged that the thieves move at different wards of the hospital in the guise of employees and attendants and pilfer valuable goods of the patients and attendants including money, mobile phone and medicine. The stolen medicines are sold at nearby medicine shops subsequently, sources further alleged.  
Roksana Begum (40), an attendant of a patient at female ward told FE today (Sunday) that she slept for about one hour Saturday afternoon. When she was awakened she found her mobile phone and Tk 2000 stolen. She informed the authority about it but they did nothing regarding this occurrence, she also said.
When contacted acting Director of the RMCH Dr. Abdul Quder admitted that the incidents of theft have become a matter of concern for them. He blamed some groups of outsiders for this who intrude into the hospital and commit such crimes. As there is no police available for the security of the hospital the employees have been ordered to remain alert constantly to prevent such incidents, he further said.
Moshiur Rahman Bakul, General Secretary of the Fourth Class Employees Association of RMCH   said some intruders are involved in such activities. But they are quite alert to foil any pilferage incident in the hospital. They have already caught 12 thieves red handed over last couple of weeks and handed them over to police. He also claimed that the stealing incident have gone down significantly during last few days.       

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