Minister's denial
The government announced new rates for admission, consultation, diet, diagnostic tests and bed rent at all state-run hospitals except the upazila health complexes, raising the charges from ten percent to as high as 400 percent. Mysteriously, the government cancelled the decision on the following day. The minister concerned overtly denied his involvement in raising the fees. On the other hand, the former secretary to health and family planning who was involved in the process admitted that the minister was aware of the decision. I was really surprised by their interview with BBC on 11 September. Then we have to believe that the decision taken through a long process as appeared in the newspaper has nothing to do with the minister!
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.