Ctg doctors consulting patients over phone, IM

A number of doctors in Chattogram are offering treatment to patients remotely, as they are not attending private practice amidst countrywide shutdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Physicians were offering treatment over phone and via social media and instant messaging (IM) services like WhatsApp and Facebook since Sunday.

Moreover, they are not charging any fees for this service.

Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA), Chattogram published a list of 100 doctors who will deliver treatment to patients through teleconference. In the list published on Sunday, the organisation mentioned names and telephone number of the doctors, so that patients can contact them in any emergency situation.

Shuvescha Ghosh, an expecting mother, has been trying to consult a gynecologist for a week, in vain. A friend of hers informed her about the BMA list, and Shuvescha dialled the number of Dr Priti Barua, a consultant of gynecology yesterday morning, and narrated her problems to the doctor. Dr Priti advised her some medication and lifestyle changes.

"I was tensed about my health condition, but after talking to the doctor, I feel relieved," she told The Daily Star.

Contacted, Dr Barua said she received some four phone calls from patients since yesterday morning [till 11:30am] and advised them according to their problems.

"I cannot attend private chamber but I feel a sense of peace that I can serve my patients through phone," she said.

Dr Bijay Sarkar, another doctor of the list, told The Daily Star he received three phone calls yesterday morning [till 12:30pm]. Most of them seemed to be worried as they were suffering from flu and mild fever.

"I assured them not to be worried and prescribed them medication," he said.

Contacted, Dr Faisal Iqbal Chowdhury, general secretary of BMA Chattogram, said their  list includes consultants of different disciplines.

Patients can avail their service from 10am to 1pm, and again from 6pm to 9pm.

"We know many patients are worried as doctors have not been attending their private practice, so we have initiated this teleconference treatment service on humanitarian grounds," he said.

"From BMA, we are also providing personal protective equipment, including gloves, goggles and masks to doctors in different hospitals in Chattogram, so that doctors can provide treatment to patients keeping themselves safe," he said.

However, it's not just doctors on the list who are keeping their doors open to patients, albeit virtually.

Dr AKM Rezaul Karim, professor and head of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology in Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH), issued a notice to his patients through his Facebook account on Sunday, where he said he could not attend his private chamber regularly due to the Covid-19 situation. Rezaul mentioned his cellphone number and asked patients to send messages and photo of test reports via WhatsApp.

"I would try to reply once I receive your SMS and message," he said.

Dr Rupa Dutta, a medical officer of Chattogram General Hospital, told The Daily Star that she was not attending private chamber but was delivering treatment to patients over phone.