Rampant Commission Trade in Khulna Medical College Hospital’s Outpatient Department, Patients in Distress

PNN News Desk | Khulna:
A severe commission trade is ongoing at the outpatient department of Khulna Medical College Hospital (Khulna Medical College, Khulna – Khumek). At least 50 percent of the fees collected for tests from patients are allegedly going directly into the pockets of doctors through arrangements with various diagnostic centers. In some cases, diagnostic centers are even preparing patient reports without conducting the actual tests, depriving patients of proper diagnosis. This not only cheats patients but also raises serious questions about the ethics of the healthcare system.

Recent investigations revealed that for several days, posing as patients, people visited multiple diagnostic centers in front of Khumek Hospital and observed the alarming situation. Several patients reported that although fees were collected for tests, many centers did not perform the tests properly, while large commissions were still paid to doctors.

A manager of Udayan Diagnostic Center said, “If we don’t give commissions to the outpatient doctors, we don’t get patients. It’s impossible to run a business without sharing commissions with doctors.” Mohammad Riyashad, manager of Khulna Health Garden Diagnostic Center, shared a similar view: “Previously, 25–30 percent commission was given, but now the rates have increased, and doctors send patients only to those centers that offer higher commissions.”

Several outpatient doctors, especially outsourced staff, revealed that they do not receive regular salaries and therefore demand a 10 percent commission from diagnostic centers in collaboration with them.

On October 9, a notice issued by the Khumek Hospital Director stated that journalists seeking interviews, photos, or information from patients inside the hospital must obtain written permission from the Director. Many have criticized this move, seeing it as an obstacle to news reporting.

Regarding the matter, Khumek Hospital’s Deputy Director Dr. Sujat Ahmed said, “We have not received any formal complaints, but if such incidents come to our attention, strict measures will definitely be taken.”

Meanwhile, several diagnostic centers have reportedly shut down. Owners claim that it was impossible to operate their businesses under the pressure of high commissions. Abu Shahadat Hossain, owner of Fast Care Diagnostic Center, said, “It is not possible to run the center with proper diagnostics while paying such high commissions, so we were forced to close.”

The ongoing commission trade and fraudulent practices in Khulna Medical College Hospital’s outpatient department have become a serious warning for the entire healthcare system. There is an urgent demand for measures to ensure safe, reliable, and ethical medical care for patients.