Rationalise lab test fees
It is a common practice for most doctors to advise the patient to conduct diagnostic tests. The number of tests that is usually advised sometimes makes the patients wonder if they are all necessary. Even worse, many doctors get hefty commissions for sending their patients to diagnostic centres. That said, there are of course doctors who are not involved in this malpractice but they seem to be the minority. The Bangladesh Medical Council needs to look into these allegations.
A couple of decades ago, the government fixed charges for diagnostic tests. The charges should be updated and enforced accordingly. The present diagnostic charges at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) may be considered standard. The charges fixed by the government should be publicised in print and electronic media. Any violation should be dealt with firmly.
Md Ashraf Hossain
By email
