Birdem
Dr. Rashid Sarkar, On e-mail
The recent doctors' strike (June 25-28) at Birdem points to the major management problem that prevails at this institute. Birdem is the continuation of an out-patients clinic for the diabetics set up in tin sheds at Segunbagicha, Dhaka in 1957 by the late Professor Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim. For over three decades, Professor Ibrahim succeeded in generating awareness on diabetes in the country through free-of-cost quality services, health education, and motivation. Under his leadership the institute was transformed into a huge complex that was recognised globally as an institution of excellence. Professor Ibrahim was a highly disciplined man. I had the privilege of meeting him in his office. During our conversation he had to open his briefcase. I was surprised to see that he maintained a very orderly briefcase which had only those materials he required for the day. He used to go round the hospital and always insisted upon doctors to do their best. He died in 1989. The character of the organisation changed dramatically after his death. Greed instead of service has taken it over. It was a shocking revelation in the press about three years ago that a patient was left untreated and had to die at Birdem as his relatives were late in procuring the treatment money (The Ittefaq, 25 November, 2003). Recently, Birdem doctors went on strike protesting against a decision not to renew their contractual services. The Birdem authorities have now conceded to the demands of the doctors. But it raises some grave issues regarding Birdem's management. I met a leading member of the Birdem establishment a few years ago and was surprised to hear about the contractual nature of employment that the institute was contemplating for its physicians. Doctors are human beings too! They also need security to function. Birdem has now been taken over by people who want to view health care service in terms of profit and business. Various facilities are now available for the rich with money and not for common people with little budget for whom Professor Ibrahim used to feel very deeply. Indeed, Birdem needs a major shake-up if it wants to tread the path chalked by its benevolent founder the late Professor Ibrahim.
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