Ambulance fare syndicate must be stopped: CCC Mayor
Chattogram Bureau
Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain has said, it is absolutely unacceptable to exploit patients and the families of the deceased in the name of ambulance fares. Those who form syndicates and take advantage of people’s vulnerable moments to extort extra money must face strict action.
He made these remarks on Wednesday while speaking as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting held at the conference room of Chattogram Medical College Hospital. The meeting was organized to discuss the rationalization and regulation of ambulance service fares. The session was presided over by the hospital’s director, Brigadier General Md. Taslim Uddin.
Also present were the hospital’s Deputy Director Dr. Mohammad Elias Chowdhury, Civil Surgeon Dr. Jahangir Alam, and former BNP Metropolitan Health Affairs Secretary S. M. Sarwar Alam, among others.
The mayor stated, “The fare rates agreed upon by all parties in 2018 are still in effect. However, costs have changed significantly over the past seven years, which calls for a logical reassessment of the rates. But that review must be based solely on transparency and policy—not on exploitation.”
He added, “I have personally witnessed ward boys summoning specific ambulances when a patient dies. This has become a business involving fourth-class employees, certain influential people, and even some political figures. To dismantle this syndicate, a coordinated meeting involving multiple stakeholders is necessary. Simply drafting policies is not enough—rigorous monitoring and enforcement are essential.”
Issuing a strong warning, the mayor further said, “If we don’t act now, this corruption will seep into every vein of the hospital. Let me be clear—irregularities, exploitation, and corruption will not be tolerated. I am ready to go as far as needed. No one will be allowed to play games with people’s lives.”
Addressing irregularities in the nearby pharmacies, Dr. Shahadat said, “Some pharmacies near the hospital charge arbitrary prices, disregarding the prescribed rates set by doctors. Items like gloves, masks, and hand sanitizers are sold at inflated prices. A syndicate is manipulating the supply and creating an artificial crisis. They have turned the hospital’s surrounding area into a ‘paradise of looting.’”
He declared, “City Corporation magistrate teams will remain active on the ground, and legal action will be taken if necessary. If we want to ensure public healthcare, we must first eliminate the unethical businesses and exploitation surrounding the hospital. I am throwing down the gauntlet—let’s see who thinks they’re more powerful. I will not let Chattogram be held hostage.”
