Photo : Collected
We believe time has come for the DGHS and BMDC and the related ministry to wake up and take stern action against clinics and doctors who cause deaths to patients by taking wrong treatment methods. Alarmingly, the number of cases of maltreatment and resulting deaths is increasing in the country, despite occasional action taken against some clinics and individuals.
Reports of people becoming victims of wrong treatment at some hospitals and clinics in the country including the metropolis and facing horrendous experience of misbehavior in the hands of clinic staff, agents, nurses and ambulance drivers are replete in the media. It is being alleged that when these incidents are reported to the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) with evidence, the victims receive little or no help from them. Frustrated after months of waiting, victims usually lose hope and at one stage stop going there.
The right to health is a basic right of every citizen of the country, which is protected by the country’s constitution. And the health services officials should be more aware of this than others. Most patients who visit various government hospitals are not highly educated, so the onus is on the DG Health officials to remind the attending doctors of the patients’ right and good treatment.
It is a fact that when one out of 100 right treatments go wrong, people will start complaining and report to the higher authorities. No doubt, every life is special, and relatives remain extra sensitive to any wrongdoing to the patient.
Complaints of misbehavior by doctors, nurses and other staff members at hospitals keep coming to the media. When reported, hospitals and the persons concerned usually deny or avoid answering to the victims. It is common knowledge that senior doctors and renowned specialists do not attend their patients with enough time and write a prescription on the advice of other junior doctors who check the patients in the chamber.
We feel this should come to an end. Since doctors have joined a noble profession, they should be respectful to the basic right of the common masses. In this connection, the BMDC has to come forward to protect the reputation of the profession.
Messenger/Fameema
