Where will the patients go?

Although delayed, the authorities have increased the volume of coronavirus tests and treatment somewhat. However, there is still a shortage of test kits, ICU facilities and personal protection equipment (PPE) for physicians and health workers needed at the initial level of corona treatment.

Many hospital authorities, physicians and health workers in fear of being infected, are refusing to provide medical care to even those who are not infected with the virus. Many patients are forced to return home without treatment at the hospitals.

Symptoms similar to coronavirus, such as cough, asthma, fever, shortness of breath, diarrhoea, pneumonia and so on are common in Bangladesh. A large portion of our healthcare workers and physicians provide necessary healthcare services for these diseases.

It must be confirmed at first whether these symptoms are due to coronavirus or general fever, cough and shortness of breath. Most hospitals do not accept such patients as there is no PPE for physicians and health workers. As a result, ailing patients fall into a dire crisis.

The tragic death of a freedom fighter, Almas Uddin, appeared in Prothom Alo few days ago. His family took him to six hospitals after he suffered from a brain haemorrhage, but no hospital admitted Almas Uddin due to his symptoms of pneumonia and diarrhoea.

Physicians again refused to provide medical services even after he was admitted to a hospital. He died without treatment. There have been numerous cases of patients being turned away from hospitals in fear of coronavirus infection.

The government has been trying to tackle the situation, but the regular healthcare system in the country has collapsed. Apart from coronavirus infections, people can be infected with various diseases and will need emergency health care.

The situation has become critical because it was not handled pragmatically in advance and no guidelines were provided to the hospitals or healthcare providers.

The medical facilities for thousands of regular patients who are going to different hospitals every day should not be neglected by any means.

Yet these patients remain largely neglected and there is a lack of necessary surveillance and guidance from the authorities concerned. Where will the patients go if they are refused medical treatment from the hospitals? Who will be responsible?

We believe the health ministry and health department should take the necessary steps to address this problem. A clear and precise guideline should be created for hospitals and clinics. The hospitals and clinics must be compelled to follow the guidelines.

Any institution or person violating the rules must face strict action. At the same time, to ensure the safety of the physicians and health workers of hospitals and clinics, necessary arrangements should be made including the supply of PPE. It their safety is not guaranteed and they become ill, the whole healthcare system will be at risk.

We are going through an unprecedented crisis. It will not be possible to handle this situation without the collective efforts of all concerned.