'Display charges of medical tests in public places'

The High Court has asked private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres to display the charges of medical tests and other services in public places.

An HC bench of Justice JBM Hassan and Justice Md. Khairul Alam passed the order on Tuesday following a writ petition filed on public interest.

The bench asked the authorities concerned to take necessary steps in this regard within fifteen days, reports UNB.

Health Secretary, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council have been asked to implement the order.

The HC also asked the authorities concerned to form a special committee for making a policy according to the Medical Practice and Private Clinics and Laboratories (regulation) Ordinance, 1982 and implement it within 60 days.

Besides, the HC issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the authorities concerned should not be asked to form a policy according to the Medical Practice and Private Clinics and Laboratories (regulation) Ordinance, 1982 for approving the license of hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centers and monitor the health services.

It also asked the government to explain as to why directives should not be given to install Intensive Care Unit (ICU)/ Coronary Care Unit (CCU) to all the sadar hospitals across the country.

Health Secretary, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council, IGP, and RAB DG have been made respondents to the rule.

Advocate Bashir Ahmed stood for the writ petitioner while Deputy Attorney General Masud Hasan Chowdhury represented the state.

Shah Alam, a treasurer of Human Rights Lawyers and Securing Environment Society of Bangladesh filed the writ petition seeking a chart of charges of medical tests on July 11.