Substandard diagnostic materials supplied at Rajshahi Medical

Allegations of irregularities have arisen in the supply of important diagnostic materials at the Rajshahi Medical College (RMCH) Hospital. Two contracting firms have supplied fake X-ray films in Fuji Film packaging and substandard vaccutainer tubes instead of the prescribed brands. These materials are already being used in the hospital, and the process of paying bills for the supplied goods is underway.

According to hospital sources, contractor Matiur Rahman received the work order to supply X-ray films. On September 26, he was instructed to supply 200 packets of 10x14 inch size and 85 packets of 14x17 inch size films, which he submitted on October 10. The contracting firm has submitted a total bill of 72.5 lakh taka. However, Medi Graphic Trading Limited, the sole distributor of Fuji Film in Bangladesh, stated that these goods were not supplied through them and could be fake. On the other hand, denying the allegation, contractor Matiur Rahman stated that films are never fake and if there is any doubt, the hospital authority can send samples to Dhaka for testing.

Meanwhile, allegations of irregularities in the supply of vaccutainer tubes used for blood sample collection have also been raised against another contracting firm named Gateway International. Although they received a work order to supply 2.5 lakh tubes on September 26, 1.4 lakh pieces of China's GR brand tubes were supplied instead of the JMI or ANC brand as per the work order. Hospital sources claim that the price of GR brand tubes is about 30 percent lower compared to JMI or ANC brands.

Reported by 2 outlets. See the original sources below for full details.