Medical Check-up of Middle East-Bound Workers HeldHostage by Syndicate of 10 Owners and 30 Centers

ছবি: সংগৃহীত

Wafid System "Choice Slip" Fraud Allegations

• Fake medical reports allegedly being issued from the centers in Cox’s Bazar, Barishal, and Rajshahi
• Medical test fee of Tk 8,500 extorted up to Tk 30,000 per person
• Over Tk 1,000 crore illegally laundered annually
• Ministry promises action; center owners demand fair distribution of cases

A powerful syndicate of around 10 owners controlling 30 medical centers has allegedly monopolized the medical check-up process for workers headed to the Middle East, rendering other GCC-approved medical centers helpless. These centers, which dominate nearly 95% of the market share among over 200 approved centers, are accused of manipulating the Wafid system—the official digital platform for medical test coordination—for profiteering.

According to allegations made by former GAMCA (now GCC-approved) medical center owners at a recent meeting in Dhaka, these centers are charging migrant workers up to Tk 30,000 for medical check-ups that are officially priced at Tk 8,500. The syndicate is accused of hacking and manipulating the Wafid “choice slip” system to redirect test requests to their own centers, excluding others and reaping illegal profits, much of which is being laundered abroad.

Insiders claim that some of the owners directly or indirectly control up to 70% of other medical centers, despite regulations stating that an individual may own only one center. Setting up a single medical center requires an investment of Tk 6–7 crore, yet many owners have become destitute due to the syndicate’s manipulation.

Exploitation of Workers, Fake Reports Rampant

Business owners and medical professionals have expressed grave concern over the exploitation of workers. Over 1.5 million laborers seeking employment in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, and Yemen are allegedly being caught in this web of deceit. Workers are often forced to pay bribes to select a specific center, and in return, receive medical fitness certificates—even if they are unfit. Some centers reportedly issue 400–500 reports a day, many of which are fraudulent.

In numerous cases, medical check-ups are conducted in Dhaka using the name of centers located in Cox’s Bazar, Rajshahi, and Barishal, with the results uploaded under those outstation names. In some instances, no check-up is done at all, and workers are still declared “fit.”

This malpractice not only endangers the health of migrants but also tarnishes the image of Bangladesh in foreign labor markets. Workers declared “fit” in Bangladesh are often found “unfit” abroad, resulting in financial ruin and forced repatriation.

One such victim, Ratan Mia from Cox’s Bazar, shared:

“I paid Tk 25,000 through a local broker to obtain a fitness certificate. Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, I was declared unfit during the re-check and sent back. Now I’m under pressure to repay loans with interest. I see no way out.”

Fake Center Networks and Key Accused

The alleged fraud is widespread, with dozens of centers involved, especially in:

• Cox’s Bazar: Al-Man Medical Center, Bay Medical Center, Common Health Care, Max Medical Center, Suko Medical Point
• Barishal: Alif Checkup Services, Barishal Central Diagnostic, Yaqin Medical Center
• Rajshahi: Al-Ali Diagnostic, Al-Nahiyan Diagnostic, Hope Medical Center, Nazwa Medical, Shatata Medical

In Dhaka, major names allegedly involved include: Ecolab, SKN Health Services, SR Medical, Smart Medical, Icon Medical, Modern Medical, Ishtiaq Medical, Sahara Medical, Mediquist, Crystal Diagnostics, and several others.

The alleged kingpins of the syndicate include:

• Nomaan (Known as“Slip Nomaan”) – Owner of Ecolab Diagnostic, a former GAMCA staff member now living in Canada; considered the mastermind of the “slip trade”
• Bashir (Rabbi International) – Allegedly owns over 12 centers including those in Rajshahi and Cox’s Bazar
• Jasim Uddin Sayed (United Manpower) – Linked to around 30 centers
• Khorshed Alam (JSK Travels) – Reportedly owns 22 centers
• Jahangir Biswas (GAMCA President) – Believed to control about 20 centers
• Nomaan Chowdhury & Enam Chowdhury (Dahmasi Corp & Smart Medical) – Linked to 11 centers
• Rubel (Rubel Bangladesh Ltd) – Allegedly operates 11 centers
• Kapil Majumder (SKN Medical) – Accused of colluding in the scam

These individuals are accused of rigging the system, securing a disproportionate number of daily check-ups (up to 500 per day at a single center) while most other centers receive only 4–5 requests, insufficient to cover operational costs.

Regulatory Loopholes and Institutional Complicity

There are allegations that some officials of the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka may be complicit in this racket. Aspiring medical center owners are reportedly asked for crore-level bribes to be listed. Furthermore, despite regulatory requirements for both male and female doctors, many centers, especially in Barishal, Rajshahi, and Cox’s Bazar, are operating without female medical professionals, raising concerns about ethical violations.

Health test results are essential for obtaining visas and are submitted to embassies and the Bureau of Manpower, Employment, and Training (BMET). However, irregularities in these processes are undermining the credibility of the entire medical screening system.

Government Response and Call for Reforms

The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment has reportedly issued letters to relevant agencies, including BMET, urging immediate action. Ministry sources confirmed that a formal investigation is underway and actions will be taken soon.

When contacted, Jahangir Biswas, former GAMCA president, admitted that “some manipulation is happening” and confirmed ongoing discussions among center owners.

“We are advocating for fair distribution of check-up requests and will take necessary steps soon. None of my centers are involved in this so-called ‘slip trade,’” he added.

The massive exploitation of aspiring migrant workers, unchecked monopoly over medical screening, and cross-border money laundering have exposed deep-rooted corruption in Bangladesh’s manpower export system. With labor markets at stake, prompt and transparent reforms are essential to restore credibility and protect the rights and health of outbound workers.