11 middlemen jailed for luring patients to private hospitals
After receiving several complaints, a RAB mobile court conducted a drive at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation on Wednesday
A Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) mobile court has sentenced 11 middlemen to jail for luring patients from the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) to private hospitals, promising better treatment.
Led by RAB Executive Magistrate, Palash Kumar Basu, the mobile court delivered the verdict on Wednesday afternoon after conducting a drive at NITOR (formerly known as the Pongu Hospital) in Dhaka's Shyamoli area.
The court sentenced each of the 11 middlemen to six months in jail. Among them, nine are male and two are female.
This racket had hindered patients from seeking treatment at the hospital
They are – Jahir, 42, Sagor Bosak, 42, Manik Mia, 30, Kawser, 22, Sharif, 24, Manik, 38, Rafiqul Islam Sumon, 26, Abdus Salam, 60, Altaf Hossain, 53, Ajiron Nesa, 35, and Eyamin Bibi, 45.
Executive Magistrate, Palash Kumar Basu, said, "This racket had hindered patients from seeking treatment at the NITOR. These middlemen were harassing patients and trying to lure them to private hospitals.
"A RAB mobile court conducted a drive at the hospital after receiving several complaints."
He added, "The gang had been using various methods to influence patients and their relatives for quite a while. They enticed the patients with promises of ultra-modern treatment at other private hospitals in exchange for a minimum payment.
"However, at some of the private hospitals referred by these middlemen, fake doctors provide treatment and carry out sensitive surgical operations. Such drives will continue in the days ahead."