Square Hospitals Limited is a private tertiary care hospital located in Dhaka, Bangladesh, established on 16 December 2006 by the Square Group conglomerate.^[1] Operating with approximately 500 beds, it provides a wide range of specialized medical services, including cardiology, oncology, and neurology, and serves as an affiliate partner of Methodist Healthcare, Memphis, USA.^[2][3] As one of the largest private hospitals in the country, it has positioned itself as a key player in Bangladesh's healthcare sector, emphasizing advanced treatments and international standards.^[4] The hospital's development reflects the expansion of the Square Group from pharmaceuticals into healthcare, aiming to address gaps in local medical infrastructure through private investment.^[5] Notable achievements include pioneering hospital pharmacy services in Bangladesh and contributing to the growth of specialized care options in a resource-constrained environment.^[5] However, Square Hospitals has faced significant controversies, including multiple allegations of medical negligence leading to patient deaths, resulting in High Court rulings, fines, and orders for judicial inquiries into treatment failures.^[6][7][8] These incidents highlight ongoing challenges in accountability and quality control within private healthcare facilities in Bangladesh.^[9]

History

Founding and Establishment

Square Hospitals Limited, a tertiary care facility, was formally inaugurated on December 16, 2006, in Panthapath, Dhaka, Bangladesh, marking the entry of the Square Group into the healthcare sector.^[10][11] The establishment aligned with Bangladesh's Victory Day, emphasizing a commitment to international-standard medical services amid growing demand for private healthcare options in the capital.^[10] The initiative stemmed from the Square Group, founded in 1958 by Samson H. Chowdhury along with three associates as a pharmaceutical partnership firm in Ataikula, Pabna District.^[12] Chowdhury, serving as founder chairman, drove the diversification from pharmaceuticals and textiles into hospitals to address gaps in advanced medical infrastructure, initially launching with 300 beds across specialized departments.^[3][13] This setup positioned Square Hospital as one of the earliest private institutions in Bangladesh equipped for comprehensive diagnostics and treatment, drawing on the group's resources for rapid operational scaling.^[5] Early operations focused on integrating modern equipment and protocols, with the facility comprising multi-storied structures designed for efficiency in patient care and expansion potential.^[11] By prioritizing ethical business practices inherited from Chowdhury's pharmaceutical origins, the hospital sought to differentiate itself in a market dominated by public institutions with capacity constraints.^[13]

Expansion and Milestones

Square Hospitals Ltd began operations on December 16, 2006, as a tertiary care facility in Dhaka, initially equipped with around 300 beds to address gaps in advanced private healthcare in Bangladesh.^[5] Within its first five years, the hospital expanded bed capacity to 425, driven by rising patient demand and strategic infrastructure investments.^[14] This early growth established it as a key player, with an affiliation to Methodist Healthcare of Memphis, USA, facilitating the adoption of international clinical and operational standards.^[15] By the mid-2010s, capacity stabilized at approximately 400 beds, supporting an outpatient department handling up to 2,500 patients daily and emphasizing specialized services like oncology and cardiology.^[16] A notable milestone was pioneering structured hospital pharmacy practices in Bangladesh, integrating direct patient care roles such as medication reconciliation and adverse event monitoring from inception.^[5] Financial performance underscored ongoing expansion, with revenue rising from Tk 533 crore in fiscal year 2023 to Tk 618 crore in 2024—a 16% increase—alongside a 27% profit growth, funding equipment upgrades and facility enhancements rather than dividends.^[16][17] In 2024, the hospital prioritized capital expenditures for modernization, including potential additions like isolation wards, amid plans for broader service reach within the Square Group's diversification strategy.^[16]

Integration with Square Group

Square Hospitals Ltd. functions as a sister concern within the Square Group, a diversified Bangladeshi conglomerate that began operations in 1958 with the founding of its flagship pharmaceutical entity, Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd. This integration positions the hospital as a key component of the group's expansion into healthcare services, complementing its core businesses in pharmaceuticals, textiles, and consumer goods.^[3][18] Governance ties link the hospital directly to the broader group, with sponsor directors from Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd. holding oversight roles in Square Hospitals Ltd., facilitating coordinated decision-making and resource allocation across entities.^[19] This structure ensures alignment with the group's emphasis on quality and innovation, as demonstrated by the hospital's affiliation with Methodist Healthcare of Memphis for clinical standards, while drawing on the conglomerate's established operational framework.^[3] The hospital benefits from the Square Group's financial and logistical scale, including access to pharmaceutical supplies from its parent division, which commands a significant market share in Bangladesh. Recent group initiatives underscore this synergy, such as plans announced in July 2025 for a new 500-bed facility in Dhaka's Amin Bazar area, staffed partly by existing Square Hospital personnel to extend affordable tertiary care.^[20][4]

Facilities and Services

Infrastructure and Capacity

Square Hospitals Ltd is situated in a complex of three multi-storied buildings at 18 Bir Uttam Qazi Nuruzzaman Sarak, West Panthapath, Dhaka, Bangladesh, designed to support tertiary-level medical care.^[16] The infrastructure includes specialized wards, intensive care units, and diagnostic facilities integrated across the buildings to facilitate efficient patient flow and service delivery.^[21] The hospital maintains an inpatient bed capacity of 500, enabling it to accommodate a substantial volume of admitted patients requiring extended care.^[16] Its outpatient department is equipped to handle up to 2,500 patients daily, reflecting the scale of ambulatory services provided.^[16] Expansions have progressively increased the facility's operational capacity from an initial 300 beds to the current configuration, supporting growth in demand for private healthcare in Bangladesh.^[14] Additional infrastructure elements include dedicated emergency services and support for advanced treatments, with the overall setup emphasizing modern construction standards for a high-volume urban hospital.^[11] The hospital's physical expansion projects, such as the Union Heights extension, have incorporated enhanced cooling and structural capacities to sustain 24/7 operations.^[22]

Medical Specialties and Departments

Square Hospital maintains a comprehensive array of medical departments specializing in tertiary-level care, encompassing over 30 distinct specialties as of 2024. These include anesthesiology, breast surgery, burn and plastic surgery, cardiology, colorectal surgery, dentistry, dermatology, diabetology and endocrinology, emergency services, ear, nose, and throat (ENT), gastroenterology and hepatology, general surgery, gynecology and obstetrics, hematology, internal medicine, neonatology, nephrology, neurology, neurosurgery, nuclear medicine, oncology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, pediatrics, pediatric surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, psychiatry, pulmonology, radiology and imaging, rheumatology, thoracic surgery, and urology.^[23][24] The structure supports multidisciplinary approaches, with dedicated teams for critical care, surgical interventions, and outpatient consultations, serving an estimated 1,500 patients daily across these units.^[4] Key departments such as cardiology and cardiac surgery handle complex procedures including coronary angiography, angioplasty, and open-heart surgeries, equipped for both adult and pediatric cases.^[25] The oncology unit provides integrated cancer treatment encompassing chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical oncology, collaborating with international protocols for evidence-based management.^[26] Neurology and neurosurgery departments address stroke management, epilepsy, and tumor resections, utilizing advanced neuroimaging for diagnosis.^[27] Orthopedics focuses on trauma, joint replacements, and spine surgeries, while the pediatrics and neonatology sections manage high-risk neonatal intensive care and child-specific illnesses.^[23] Specialized services like physical medicine and rehabilitation emphasize post-surgical recovery and chronic pain management through physiotherapy and occupational therapy.^[27] The gynecology and obstetrics department offers maternal-fetal medicine, high-risk pregnancies, and minimally invasive gynecological procedures.^[28] Emergency and critical care units operate 24/7, integrating rapid response teams for trauma and acute illnesses, supported by on-site laboratories and imaging.^[25] These departments are staffed by consultants with fellowship training from institutions in the UK, US, and India, ensuring adherence to international standards despite occasional critiques of resource allocation in Bangladesh's private sector.^[29]

Technological and Diagnostic Capabilities

Square Hospitals Ltd. maintains advanced radiological imaging capabilities through its dedicated Square Radiology & Imaging Centre, offering services including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, echocardiography, and digital X-ray. The facility houses a 3 Tesla MRI scanner, marketed as the world's fastest model, which supports high-resolution imaging with reduced scan times for enhanced diagnostic efficiency.^[30] In 2018, the hospital installed Bangladesh's first SOMATOM Force Dual Source Dual Energy CT scanner from Siemens Healthineers, enabling ultra-fast scans, dual-energy spectral imaging for material differentiation, and low radiation doses suitable for pediatric and oncology applications.^[31][32] Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scans are available for oncologic staging, metabolic assessment, and other nuclear medicine procedures, complementing the center's capabilities in functional imaging.^[33][34] Emergency CT and MRI services operate on a 24-hour basis, with routine scans requiring appointments except in urgent cases.^[34] Digital X-ray systems provide filmless imaging for rapid diagnostics across modalities.^[34] The hospital's laboratory and pathology medicine department supports diagnostic workflows with automated analyzers and molecular testing platforms, though specific equipment models are not publicly detailed beyond general commitments to cutting-edge automation for hematology, biochemistry, microbiology, and histopathology.^[35] In June 2025, Square Hospitals introduced the SunSCAN 3D body scanning system, the first such installation in Bangladesh, for precise anthropometric measurements aiding in rehabilitation and prosthetic fittings.^[36] These technologies position the hospital as a leader in private-sector diagnostics in Bangladesh, emphasizing precision and accessibility.^[37]

Organization and Management

Leadership and Governance

Square Hospitals Ltd is directed by Managing Director Tapan Chowdhury, the second son of the company's founder, the late Samson H. Chowdhury, who assumed leadership roles across Square Group entities including the hospital following his father's establishment of the conglomerate.^{[38] [39]} Tapan Chowdhury has overseen operational and strategic decisions for the hospital since its inception as a key healthcare arm of the group.^[13] Governance at Square Hospitals Ltd aligns with the Square Group's corporate structure, which is chaired by Samuel S. Chowdhury, emphasizing family-led oversight and integration across subsidiaries.^[40] As a private limited company within the conglomerate, it adheres to Bangladesh's regulatory requirements for corporate entities, though specific board compositions for the hospital are not publicly disclosed separately from group-level leadership.^[41] The group's listed arms, such as Square Pharmaceuticals, demonstrate formalized governance practices including board committees and compliance with national corporate codes, which likely inform hospital management.^[41]

Staffing and Training

Square Hospitals Ltd employs over 2,500 staff members, encompassing physicians, nurses, patient care assistants, and administrative personnel, supporting its operations as a 400-bed tertiary care facility.^[42] This workforce enables the hospital to manage a high volume of inpatient and outpatient services across multiple specialties.^[4] The hospital maintains staffing through structured recruitment processes targeting qualified medical professionals, including associate consultants and specialists in fields such as dermatology, nephrology, internal medicine, neuromedicine, and dentistry, with ongoing job postings as of August 2025.^[43] Recruitment emphasizes candidates with relevant expertise to align with the hospital's emphasis on advanced care delivery. Training initiatives focus on continuous professional development to uphold clinical standards. Physicians participate in weekly Continuous Medical Education (CME) sessions held every Wednesday, covering updates in medical practices and specialties.^[42] Nurses receive in-service educational programs tailored to enhance practical skills and patient care protocols.^[42] In-house and local training is coordinated by experienced doctors and departmental heads, incorporating hands-on sessions and knowledge sharing to address operational needs.^[42] These programs extend to specialized orientations, such as pharmacovigilance training for staff to monitor adverse drug events.^[44] In August 2025, the hospital hosted a CME session on a national scale, demonstrating its role in broader medical education efforts within Bangladesh.^[45]

Operational Policies and Quality Control

Square Hospitals Ltd implements a performance appraisal system for its staff, whereby evaluations are conducted by reporting officers to assess and improve employee performance, contributing to operational quality and accountability in healthcare delivery.^[14] This system emphasizes ongoing monitoring and feedback to align staff activities with hospital objectives, as detailed in case studies of the hospital's human resource practices.^[46] Quality control measures include regular internal reviews by management of service quality and operational performance, aimed at maintaining standards in patient care and resource utilization.^[21] The hospital holds accreditation from the Bangladesh Accreditation Council (BAC), which verifies adherence to national benchmarks for healthcare service delivery, patient safety protocols, and facility management.^[21] These policies prioritize empirical monitoring of clinical outcomes and compliance, though detailed public documentation of specific protocols remains limited. In line with broader Square Group practices, operational policies incorporate quality management principles across activities, from patient admission to discharge, ensuring consistent application of evidence-based standards without reliance on unverified international certifications like JCI, which are not confirmed for the facility.^[47] Patient safety is supported through staff training and appraisal linkages, reducing risks associated with human error in high-volume tertiary care settings.^[14]

Financial Performance

Revenue and Profit Trends

Square Hospitals Ltd., the operating entity for Square Hospital in Dhaka, reported revenue of Tk 502 crore in fiscal year 2022 (July 2021–June 2022), rising to Tk 533 crore in FY23, a 6% year-on-year increase driven by higher patient services and operational expansion.^[17] Revenue accelerated further to Tk 618 crore in FY24 (July 2023–June 2024), marking a 16% growth amid sustained demand for tertiary care in Bangladesh's private healthcare sector.^[16] Net profit trends mirrored revenue gains, with FY23 profit reaching Tk 37 crore, a 12% increase from FY22 levels, reflecting improved margins from cost efficiencies and volume growth.^[48] Profits surged 27% to Tk 46.87 crore in FY24, supported by revenue expansion and operational leverage, though exact breakdowns of profit drivers such as service mix or expense controls remain undisclosed in public filings.^[16] These figures, derived from audited disclosures to the Dhaka Stock Exchange via parent Square Pharmaceuticals PLC consolidations, indicate resilience post-COVID-19 disruptions, with profit margins expanding from approximately 6.6% in FY23 to 7.6% in FY24 based on reported net profit-to-revenue ratios.^[16] Earlier data for FY21 or prior years are not publicly detailed in comparable formats, limiting long-term trend analysis.^[17]

Funding and Investments

Square Hospitals Ltd. is primarily funded through equity investments from Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd., its parent company within the Square Group, which holds a 49.94% stake acquired via an investment of Tk 21 crore for 1.99 lakh shares priced at Tk 1,000 each plus a Tk 55 premium.^[17][16] This internal capitalization reflects the Square Group's strategy of leveraging profits from its pharmaceutical operations to support diversification into healthcare without evident reliance on external loans, government subsidies, or venture capital.^[49] Ongoing investments in the hospital are financed through retained earnings and operational cash flows, enabling expansions in capacity and technology; for instance, the group has announced plans for additional hospital infrastructure targeting middle-income segments, though specific allocations to the existing Dhaka facility remain integrated within broader group expenditures.^[20] No public disclosures indicate debt financing or foreign direct investment as material sources, underscoring a self-sustaining model rooted in the conglomerate's core revenue streams.^[16]

Economic Role in Private Healthcare

Square Hospitals Ltd. exemplifies the expanding influence of private entities in Bangladesh's healthcare landscape, where the sector ranks among the nation's largest service industries by revenue generation and job creation. As a 400-bed tertiary care facility, it delivers specialized services that complement public infrastructure, handling substantial outpatient volumes and reducing strain on state-run hospitals.^[17][50] In fiscal year 2023-24, the hospital achieved revenues of Tk 618 crore, reflecting a year-over-year increase from Tk 533 crore in FY 2022-23, alongside a 27% profit rise to Tk 46.87 crore.^[16][17] These figures highlight its financial viability and capacity to reinvest in operations, contributing to the private sector's role in attracting domestic and foreign capital for healthcare expansion.^[51] By prioritizing advanced diagnostics and treatments, Square Hospitals stimulates demand for imported medical technologies and pharmaceuticals, indirectly bolstering related economic segments while generating tax revenues and skilled employment in urban centers like Dhaka.^[52] Its model demonstrates how private providers can achieve scalability without direct government subsidies, fostering competition that elevates service standards across the industry.^[21]

Controversies and Criticisms

Medical Negligence and Legal Cases

Square Hospital has been involved in multiple legal proceedings alleging medical negligence, primarily related to failures in diagnosis, treatment protocols, and post-operative care, though outcomes have varied between acquittals, remands for further inquiry, and rejections of severe penalties. These cases highlight challenges in proving clinical negligence under Bangladesh's Penal Code Section 304A, which addresses causing death by rash or negligent acts, often requiring demonstration of deviation from standard protocols.^[53][8] In the case of Mirza Arunima Shahpar Ohona, a 4.5-year-old child admitted to Square Hospital in 2013 for brain tumor treatment, a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery was performed on August 15, 2013, but follow-up imaging such as CT scans or MRIs was not conducted despite symptoms indicating complications like brain hemorrhages, as later confirmed by a report from Bangkok Hospital on August 17, 2013. Ohona died on August 23, 2014. The complainant, Ohona's father, filed charges against the hospital, Dr. Kazi Nawshad-Un-Nabi, and others for negligence. A Dhaka lower court discharged the hospital and two doctors on November 16, 2016, charging only one physician, but the High Court Division overturned these acquittals on February 23, 2021, declaring them illegal and directing further trial court inquiry into the negligence claims against Square Hospital and the involved parties under Section 304A.^[54][8][53] Architect Rajib Ahmed, aged 38, was admitted to Square Hospital in February 2024 with a skin infection but died on February 14, 2024, which his family attributed to wrong treatment and negligence by hospital staff, including inappropriate medication and delayed care. The family alleged maltreatment rather than proper intervention, leading to public outcry and calls for accountability. Although a petition sought cancellation of the hospital's operating license, the High Court ruled on March 28, 2024, that it would not be revoked, emphasizing that individual accountability for negligence does not warrant shutting down the facility. No final conviction has been reported in this matter.^[55][56][57] In 2019, Dhaka University student Mehedi Hasan Shamim, diagnosed with insular cavernoma (a brain tumor), underwent neurosurgery at Square Hospital in April, after which he experienced paralysis on his left side due to alleged errors in surgical execution or post-operative management. Shamim filed a petition claiming the hospital failed to adhere to proper protocols, resulting in permanent disability. The High Court issued a rule on August 23, 2019, directing Square Hospitals and authorities to explain why Shamim should not receive Tk 5 crore in compensation for the wrong treatment. However, the court later determined that such compensation would not be awarded, discharging the rule without imposing the fine, though the case underscored issues in surgical negligence claims.^[58][7]

Patient Care Complaints

Patients have frequently reported dissatisfaction with operational aspects of care at Square Hospitals Ltd., including extended waiting times in outpatient departments and emergency services, often exceeding several hours despite the hospital's capacity as a 500-bed facility. These delays have been attributed to high patient volumes and inefficient triage processes, with anecdotal accounts from 2025 highlighting persistent mismanagement that exacerbates discomfort for those seeking urgent treatment.^[59] A notable incident of unprofessional conduct occurred in July 2020, when a female patient consulting an obstetrics and gynaecology specialist accused the doctor of advising that she "needed to be raped" to resolve sexual health concerns, prompting public backlash and demands for accountability from the hospital. The remark, made during a paid consultation, was criticized as unethical and dismissive of patient vulnerability, underscoring lapses in empathetic communication. Square Hospitals Ltd. faced calls to address such behavior, though no formal resolution details were publicly disclosed beyond initial media coverage.^[60][61] Complaints regarding arrogant or dismissive attitudes from physicians have also surfaced repeatedly, with patients describing interactions as curt and lacking respect, particularly in high-stress environments like intensive care units. These issues, reported as systemic rather than isolated, contrast with the hospital's marketed emphasis on patient-centered care but align with broader critiques of private sector priorities in Bangladesh's healthcare, where volume-driven operations may compromise service quality. Despite internal grievance mechanisms, such as feedback portals, follow-up actions on these complaints appear limited, as evidenced by recurring similar reports over years.^[59]

Staff and Internal Issues

A cross-sectional study surveying 100 physicians at Square Hospitals Ltd. in Dhaka during May-June 2022 identified moderate positive correlations between burnout levels and key workplace factors, including workload (correlation coefficient 0.584), working hours (0.579), and working environment (0.482).^[62] The analysis, conducted using SPSS software on responses to a 30-item structured questionnaire, highlighted that physicians face overload from excessive job responsibilities, which correlates with diminished personal well-being and reduced service quality.^[62] Participants were predominantly male (61%) and aged 41-50 (83%), with most having 11-15 years of experience (57%).^[62] The study emphasized burnout's adverse effects on healthcare delivery, attributing it to systemic pressures rather than individual shortcomings, and recommended institutional enhancements such as optimized working conditions, reduced hours, and bolstered support mechanisms to alleviate these internal strains.^[63] No specific burnout prevalence rate was quantified for Square Hospitals, though broader Bangladeshi physician surveys during the COVID-19 period indicated elevated risks, contextualizing the findings within national healthcare challenges.^[62] Employee feedback on Glassdoor, aggregated from 22 reviews, reflects a generally favorable internal environment, with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 and 100% of respondents recommending the organization to peers, alongside a 3.8 rating for work-life balance.^[64] Documented labor disputes or widespread staff complaints remain absent from major reports, suggesting that while burnout represents a notable internal issue, overt conflicts have not escalated publicly.^[64]

Impact and Reception

Contributions to Bangladesh Healthcare

Square Hospitals Ltd, established on December 16, 2006, as a 400-bed tertiary care facility in Dhaka, has expanded access to advanced private healthcare in Bangladesh, serving as a leading provider of specialized services including cardiology, oncology, and neurosurgery, thereby reducing reliance on overburdened public institutions.^[65][14] The hospital's growth to over 425 beds and plans for a new 500-bed facility demonstrate its role in increasing national bed capacity and attracting medical tourism through international-standard care.^[20][21] In professional development, Square Hospitals conducts weekly Continuous Medical Education (CME) sessions for doctors and in-service training programs for nurses, with specialized training for nurses and technicians provided by institutions like CMC-Vellore, fostering higher clinical standards across the sector.^[66][67] It also hosts clinical training for PharmD students via memoranda of understanding with universities and operates SQUARE College of Nursing to produce skilled personnel for domestic and international needs.^[68][69] The hospital has advanced medicine safety through implementation of a pharmacovigilance system in collaboration with the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) and USAID's Systems for Improved Access to Pharmaceuticals and Services (SIAPS) program, training all incoming doctors and nurses on adverse drug event (ADE) reporting and contributing to over 1,300 national ADE reports by April 2017, positioning it as a model for other facilities.^[44] It maintains active antimicrobial stewardship programs, unique among private and public hospitals in Bangladesh as of 2020, to combat resistance.^[70] Community initiatives include health camps offering free consultations, lab tests, and medicines, alongside awareness programs such as cancer screening events organized by its oncology center.^[71] These efforts, combined with recognitions like the Best Brand Award 2010 for top private hospital, underscore its contributions to elevating private sector quality and public health outcomes.^[72]

Achievements and Recognitions

Square Hospitals Ltd. was awarded the Best Brand Award as the #1 Private Hospital in Bangladesh twice in 2010 by the Bangladesh Brand Forum, recognizing its prominence in private healthcare branding.^[72] The hospital maintains accreditation from the Bangladesh Accreditation Council (BAC), which certifies adherence to national standards for healthcare service delivery, patient safety, and organizational management.^[21] In December 2021, Square Hospitals marked its 15th anniversary of operations with an event honoring prominent Bangladeshi physicians, highlighting its sustained contributions to the medical community.^[73] As an affiliate partner of Methodist Healthcare in Memphis, Tennessee, the hospital incorporates international training protocols to elevate clinical standards, supporting its role as a 400-bed tertiary care facility leading private sector healthcare in Bangladesh.^[74]

Broader Criticisms and Public Perception

Square Hospitals Ltd., as a prominent for-profit entity in Bangladesh's private healthcare landscape, embodies broader criticisms leveled against the sector's commercialization, where profit motives are accused of undermining ethical standards and equitable access. Analysts have contended that private facilities prioritize revenue through practices such as unnecessary diagnostic tests, inflated pricing, and referral commissions, exacerbating healthcare inequalities in a country where public systems remain overburdened and underfunded.^[75][76][77] These concerns gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, when private hospitals faced accusations of overcharging for tests and treatments, contributing to perceptions of systemic profiteering over public health imperatives.^[78] Public perception of Square Hospital reflects this tension, with many viewing it as a reliable destination for advanced care due to its modern infrastructure and specialist expertise, often preferred over public alternatives for perceived superior service quality. Empirical assessments have shown private hospitals outperforming public ones in patient satisfaction metrics and choice predictors, driven by market incentives for responsiveness.^[79][80] Nonetheless, affordability remains a flashpoint; widespread discourse critiques its high costs as catering primarily to affluent patients, fostering an image of elitism and alienating broader demographics amid Bangladesh's socioeconomic disparities.^[81] Recent financial disclosures underscoring robust profit growth—such as a 27% rise to Tk 46.87 crore on Tk 618 crore revenue in FY24—have intensified scrutiny, prompting questions about alignment between corporate success and patient welfare in a resource-constrained context.^[82]