President M Abdul Hamid on Sunday asked physicians not to prescribe the patients for doing unnecessary medical tests as many patients cannot bear the expenses.
“Many patients are being harassed in the name of treatment . . . A section of physicians prescribe the patients for doing unnecessary tests,” he said while addressing the 29th Annual Conference and International Scientific Seminar-2018 organized by Association of Physicians of Bangladesh (APB) at a city hotel on Sunday afternoon.
Terming the medical profession a very noble one, the President urged the doctors and others concerned to abide by the “Code of Medical Ethics” aimed at ensuring proper health services and professional standard.
President Hamid also called upon the doctors and others concerned to consider the ability of people while providing treatment as many patients have no ability to bear costs of unnecessary tests at different diagnostic centers.
Referring to media reports, he said in some cases it is seen that people become the worst victims of wrong treatment or negligence of the physicians, tarnishing the reputation of the doctors and respective institutions. “You must be aware of this (wrong treatment),” the President added.
Noting that medicines and treatment methods are being modernized day by day, the President urged the physicians to be more knowledgeable with the latest inventions and technologies.
“The nature and type of diseases are different in respect of country and region. Besides, the diseases could be changed because of climate change,” he said, adding that medical education and research will have to be conducted taking all these issues into consideration.
About the present government’s initiatives to reach the healthcare services to the doorsteps of the common people, he hoped that the joint endeavours of all concerned would help ensure the desired health services for the common masses in days to come.
The President also put emphasis on creating awareness about maintaining healthy life to get rid of the curse of many diseases.
“Patients are the guests of hospitals . . . Give special attention to the patients so that none gets hurt by your behaviour,” the President said, suggesting the doctors to work with professionalism and give priority to providing healthcare facilities to the common people.
He categorically urged all concerned to perform their professional duties with the attitude of providing better services to the patients.
In the function, President Hamid presented Prof Dr Khaza Nizamuddin (Medicine) and Prof Dr Feroj Ahmed Quaraishi (neuro-medicine) with gold medals for their outstanding contributions in the medical profession across the country.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Mohammed Nasim, Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) President Dr Mostafa Jajal Mohiuddin, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Kanak Kanti Barua, ABP President Prof M Azizul Kahhar, APB Secretary General Dr SM Mostafa Jaman and Vice-President Dr Rafiqul Alam, also spoke on the occasion.
