Don’t prescribe unnecessary tests
Criticising some physicians’ tendency of trying to make extra money by asking patients to undergo unnecessary medical tests, President Abdul Hamid yesterday urged doctors to refrain from such practice.
“Reports are often published in the media on wrong treatment and harassment of patients -- resulting from the intention to make extra money. From clinics in the capital to the ones in suburban areas are involved in such malpractice for which the entire physician community is held responsible,” he said.
The president said this while addressing the inaugural programme of Bangla Cardio-2019, arranged by Bangladesh Cardiac Society at a Dhaka hotel.
“This malpractice affects the relationship between doctors and patients. You have to be cautious about it and take disciplinary actions against the individuals and institutions who are responsible,” he said.
President Hamid also asked doctors to remain cautious about adulterated and expired medicines, and stressed the need for developing skilled physicians for introducing state-of-the-art treatment in Bangladesh.
The government is taking all possible steps to make modern treatment facilities available in Bangladesh, he said, adding that hospitals across the country are being provided with advanced equipment.
Hamid said it is also true that sometimes hospitals lack skilled manpower to use such equipment.
“As a result, public money is being wasted… this also deprives patients of desired services,” he added.
He urged the authorities concerned to look into the matter seriously.
The president also mentioned that it is important to ensure transparency and accountability in procurement of medical equipment.
“Do not overlook the contributions of the masses alongside your parents and neighbours...” he said.
Mentioning that cardiac disease is one of the major causes of deaths in Bangladesh and its prevalence is increasing day by day, the president said it is important to make people aware of the causes of the disease and its prevention.
He also stressed the need for focusing on prevention, as the treatment of heart disease is expensive.
He said the deliberations at Bangla Cardio-2019 will be an excellent opportunity for cardiologists and cardiac surgeons from home and abroad to exchange their views and experiences on recent advancement in cardiovascular sciences.
“It’ll definitely play a unique role in future development of cardiac care facilities in the country and create mass awareness in prevention of this dreadful disease,” he added.
Health and Family Affairs Minister Zahid Maleque, National Professor Brigadier Abdul Malik (retd), Bangladesh Cardiac Society President and Secretary General respectively Prof AKM Mohibullah and Prof Abdullah Al Shafi Majumder, Director of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Professor Dr Mir Jamal Uddin and Professor NC Nanda of Alabama University of USA, among others, were present at the event.
Secretaries concerned to the president were also present on the occasion.
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