FBCCI for easier licensing for private medical facilities

Key business leaders in the health sector today called for simplification of the process of obtaining and renewing licences of private clinics, hospitals and diagnostic centres as well as extending the duration of licences.

There is a need to establish medical equipment factories in Bangladesh and develop skilled medical technologists to capture export markets, they said at a meeting of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) Standing Committee on Private Clinics, Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers and Medical Equipments

Mentioning the important contribution of the government as well as the private sector in ensuring healthcare for the people of the country, FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam said, "Despite various limitations, private clinics and hospitals are serving people with professionalism."

FBCCI Senior Vice-President Md Amin Helaly said clinics, hospitals and diagnostic centres have been established by private initiatives from big cities to district and upazila levels. But they have been developed in a very informal way.

"Instead of shutting down these institutions, they should be given time to correct their errors and improve quality," he added.

FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam was present as the chief guest in the meeting held at the FBCCI office in the capital's Motijheel area.

FBCCI Vice-President Shomi Kaiser, FBCCI Director Hafez Hazi Harun-Or- Rashid, the standing committee's Chairman Md Mokadesh Ali Majumdar Shaheen, FBCCI Director Syed Mohammad Bakhtiar, former director Abu Hossain Bhuiyan (Ranu), and JMI Group Managing Director Abdur Razzak were present at the meeting among others.