It is against medical ethics
The public recently witnessed an inhuman drama on television. It was enacted in real life at the United Hospital in Dhaka. The hospital authorities refused to hand over the body of a person, who had died while undergoing treatment, to his relatives as they could not clear hospital dues amounting to Taka 20 lakh. Not releasing a dead body for non-payment of dues is indeed inhuman and beyond the code of medical ethics. The United Hospital could realize the dues after handing over the dead body to the relatives for his peaceful burial.
I strongly feel that the government should take pragmatic measures to improve the quality of medical services in the government hospitals. Such measures may include raise in pays and allowances for doctors as well as the general staff. Moreover, the government should seriously think about introducing ‘health insurance’ for common people. I think this should be implemented as soon as possible for ensuring proper treatment of patients.
Professor M Zahidul Haque
SAU, Dhaka
