Dhaka, Mar 08 (V7N) – The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has conducted a special operation targeting a broker gang operating in three major hospitals in the capital: National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (Nitore/Pangu Hospital), Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, and the National Heart Institute and Hospital.

More than a dozen brokers were arrested during the operation and later sentenced to various prison terms and fines through a mobile court.

According to RAB-2 Commander Md. Khalidul Haque Howlader, the gang had been deceiving helpless patients and their relatives, taking them to private clinics with promises of advanced treatment and charging extra money for various tests. They also harassed patients and relatives, holding them hostage to extort payments.

The Health Ministry has declared “zero tolerance” against hospital brokers and introduced a seven-point program to ensure broker-free medical facilities, which law enforcement agencies are working to enforce.

The director of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital assured that any hospital employee found involved in such activities will face strict departmental action following investigation.

RAB confirmed that operations against broker gangs will continue to reduce patients’ suffering and ensure uninterrupted medical services across the country.

END/SMA/AJ