Is health sector 'turning cruel', asks NHRC
Health
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) today expressed deep concern over recent incidents highlighting negligence and shortcomings within the healthcare sector.
NHRC Chairman Dr Kamal Uddin Ahmed questioned if the sector is "turning cruel," citing a rise in patient deaths due to alleged treatment negligence, reads a press release signed by Deputy Director Farhana Sayeed.
The commission identified mismanagement, lack of monitoring, unauthorised facilities, and unqualified personnel as contributing factors.
"Out of despair, many patients are going to various countries for treatment, resulting in a substantial outflow of foreign currency even in the current crisis in the country."
"In a country where progress is being made in various fields, extreme negligence in the healthcare sector is unacceptable," the chairman said, stressing the urgency to address these issues.
The commission also asserted that despite patients spending significant sums on treatment and tests at hospitals and diagnostic centres, they do not receive satisfactory medical services.
"Out of despair, many patients are going to various countries for treatment, resulting in a substantial outflow of foreign currency even in the current crisis in the country," said Kamal.
NHRC urged the Ministry of Health to identify and shut down unauthorised medical practices, ensure legal punishment for offenders, compensate families of victims due to negligence and implement stricter measures to ensure patient safety and ethical practices.
Several recent incidents of alleged medical negligence have brought forth these issues.
On 20 February, a 10-year-old boy died during circumcision at JS Hospital, Malibagh. Another child died after circumcision at United Hospital last month.
Meanwhile, a pregnant woman died after a C-section at an unlicensed clinic in Barguna.
In another reported incident, an intern doctor allegedly tortured a patient's son at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.
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