Govt shuts over 250 illegal health facilities nationwide

The government has shut down more than 250 illegal hospitals, clinics, blood banks and diagnostic centres across the country in the past five months as part of a nationwide crackdown on unauthorised and substandard healthcare facilities.

Since regular drives began on 29 March, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has inspected nearly 5,000 healthcare facilities, while around 200 clinics have been given time to rectify irregularities, officials said.

DGHS Director of Hospital and Clinic Dr Md Nurul Islam told BSS that more than 250 illegal clinics had been shut down and around 200 given time to make necessary corrections.

Facilities with expired licences were also given time to renew them. Around 6,000 clinics have so far renewed their licences, while applications from another 2,000 to 3,000 facilities are under scrutiny, he said.

The drives aim to restore discipline in the healthcare sector, increase public confidence and ensure safe medical services, Dr Nurul Islam said.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain has taken part in several drives. He said facilities failing to maintain minimum healthcare standards would be shut down immediately.

“There will be no compromise on ensuring the quality of healthcare,” he said.

The campaign, which began in the capital, has gradually expanded to districts and upazilas. Around 25 illegal facilities have been shut down in Dhaka, while more than 200 illegal clinics, diagnostic centres and blood banks have been closed elsewhere.

According to a 2024 health authority report, 1,285 hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres were operating illegally nationwide. Dhaka division had the highest number at 415, followed by Mymensingh with 252 and Chattogram with 240.

DGHS Director General Prof Dr Prabhat Chandra Biswas said the drives would help eliminate irregularities and restore transparency in the healthcare sector.

Authorities are verifying licences, medical equipment, health and hygiene standards and professional certificates. “Wherever irregularities are found, immediate measures such as fines, sealing of facilities or suspension of operations are being taken,” he said.

Action has also begun against fake doctors, nurses and medical technicians.