Barguna Sadar  Correspondent

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) supported Active Citizen Group (ACG) convened a community action meeting at Bondhumohol Club premises in the Maitha Choumohani area of Barguna to address administrative irregularities and harassment faced by marginalized patients at Barguna 250-Bed General Hospital on Thursday. 

Chaired by Barguna General Hospital ACG Coordinator Adv Md. Saiful Islam Sohel, the meeting gathered local residents, civil society members, and community representatives to document grievances regarding middleman networks, medicine shortages, and medical negligence at the government facility.

Addressing the assembly as chief guest, Sanak Vice President Dr. Moniza stated that good governance, institutional accountability, and active public awareness are essential to guarantee equitable healthcare access for rural populations. TIB Area Coordinator Md. Najmul Hossain Khan and Choumohani Bondhumohol Club President Md. Ismail Hossain Rubel emphasized that the testimonies gathered will be used to engage hospital administration for structural reforms.

During the open floor session, local residents recounted severe service lapses at the facility. Local resident Kohinur Begum cited unhygiene and mandatory external medicine purchases, while another resident, Selina Begum, shared that her pregnant daughter was forced into a private clinic after waiting five days without encountering an on-duty gynecologist. Students Raju and Sayem alleged that emergency department staff demanded illegitimate fees for basic procedures and forced patients to procure basic surgical supplies externally.

ACG leaders Imran Hossain, Jannatul Ferdousi, Riaz Ahmed Musa, Advocate Rosy Akhtar, Anima Rani, Sabina Yasmin, Amirul Islam Maruf, and TIB official Khairul were present at the event. Following the session, ACG representatives confirmed plans to compile a formal memorandum summarizing public complaints to present directly to hospital authorities for immediate corrective action.