Ground reality is probably even worse that the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) report on corruption on various levels of the health sector. The endemic corruption and irregularities that have gripped this sector nationwide has put the government health services into question.
In TIB's recent report on 'Challenges to Good Governance in the Health Sector and Ways to Improve', it was said that anything from 10 thousand to 100 thousand taka had to be paid as bribes for appointments, promotions and transfers in different institutions under the health ministry. This reveals the alarming proportions that corruption has reached in the sector.
TIB has gathered such information from the statements of the victimised doctors, officials and employees. Another unfortunate issue is that of government doctors sharing commission with diagnostic centres and unscrupulous 'middle-men'. Why would persons attached to such a noble vocation as the medical profession stoop to such unethical dealings?
Health Minister Mohammed Nasim has dismissed the TIB report as mere "sweeping allegations", but can he deny that no bribes are taken in his ministry for appointments, transfers and promotions? Of course such corruption takes place. TIB published a similar report some time back about corruption and irregularities in private universities and it met with the same denial and protest from the authorities. Later TIB allegations proved to be true.
So instead of denying the allegations, the minister should use the TIB report to strengthen departmental probes into the allegations and take stern measures against the corrupt persons. We can't allow the achievements of our health sector to be overshadowed by a handful of corrupt persons.
The health ministry should take into cognizance the recommendations made by TIB against the corruption and irregularities in the sector and take action accordingly.