By Barun Kumar Das

DHAKA, Aug 18, 2026 (BSS) - The government has stepped up its crackdown on illegally operated hospitals, blood banks, clinics and diagnostic centres in the capital and different districts and upazilas across the country.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has already shut down more than 250 illegal healthcare facilities while some 200 clinics have been given time to make necessary corrections across the country during last five months through regular drives, official sources said here today.

The health authorities began conducting regular drives against illegal healthcare facilities on March 29 this year. Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain himself took part in several of the drives.

Director of the DGHS Hospital and Clinic Dr Md. Nurul Islam told BSS that inspections have so far been conducted at nearly 5,000 illegal and substandard hospitals, clinics, blood banks and diagnostic centres across the country.

"More than 250 illegal clinics have been shut down, while 200 clinics have been given time to make necessary corrections," he said.

He added that facilities whose licences had expired were also given time to renew them. So far, around 6,000 clinics have renewed their licences, while applications from another 2,000 to 3,000 facilities have been submitted and are undergoing scrutiny before the approval.

He said the drives are being conducted to restore discipline in the healthcare sector, increase public confidence and ensure safe medical services for ordinary people.

A widespread campaign has also been launched against illegal and substandard hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres across the country. Action is being taken against facilities accused of long-standing irregularities, operating without licences and providing poor-quality medical services.

According to a 2024 report of the health authorities, 1,285 hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres were operating illegally across the country. The Dhaka division had the highest number with 415 illegal facilities.

The figures are 252 in Mymensingh, 240 in Chattogram, 156 in Khulna, 111 in Rangpur, 55 in Rajshahi, 48 in Barishal and eight in Sylhet divisions.

Sources said the DGHS has shut down around 25 illegal facilities in the capital in recent months. During the inspections, the health minister and investigation teams detected serious irregularities at the facilities. Some were fined, others were shut down, while several were served show-cause notices.

In addition, four private hospitals and one diagnostic centre in Faridpur, six unauthorised clinics in Tangail, two clinics each in Shariatpur, Narsingdi and Pabna, two diagnostic centres in Manikganj, one clinic in Harinakundu of Jhenaidah and one clinic in Godagari of Rajshahi have been shut down.

Overall, more than 200 illegal diagnostic centres, clinics and blood banks have been closed in different districts and upazilas across the country.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain said any hospital or clinic failing to maintain minimum healthcare standards would be shut down immediately and that no concessions would be made. "There will be no compromise on ensuring the quality of healthcare," he said.

The minister said the campaign, which began in the capital, has gradually been expanded to remote areas across the country. At the same time, strict legal action is being taken against those operating hospitals or clinics illegally.

DGHS Director General Prof. Dr Prabhat Chandra Biswas told BSS that the nationwide drives would eliminate irregularities in hospitals and restore transparency in the healthcare sector.

As part of the campaign, authorities are verifying licences, testing the quality of medical equipment, checking compliance with health and hygiene standards and verifying the valid certificates of medical professionals.

"Wherever irregularities are found, immediate measures such as fines, sealing of facilities or suspension of operations are being taken," he said.

He added that appropriate action has also begun against fake doctors, nurses and medical technicians.