Chaos at DMCH

In the end it is always the vulnerable patients who suffer because of uncalled –for disruptions

Enraged by death of a patient for wrong treatment, relatives of the deceased went on rampage at the coronary care unit (CCU) unit of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) on Sunday. They have also allegedly attacked on-duty doctors, nurses, law enforcers and other employees of the hospital. At least some six people, including doctors, were reported to be hurt during the incident. This is not expected in any hospital. Both parties - concerned doctors and also the relatives of the dead patient should have shown a sharp sense of moral obligation to maintain order.

The attackers also vandalised furniture and glasses at the hospital, resulting in the suspension of the emergency medical service at the largest public hospital of the country. This is clearly unacceptable since many were denied emergency treatment temporarily. We call for quick identification of the unruly mob that had taken part in triggering anarchy inside the DMCH while suspending its emergency services. They should be put behind bars.

Several dozens of patients who went to the emergency unit of the hospital were seen waiting as the entrance of the emergency department of the hospital temporarily remained shut. More deaths could have followed.

The point, however, if the allegation for death due to wrong treatment is somehow proved to be correct, there is a normal course of investigation. The relatives should have definitely shown more tolerance and patience in this regard. Also we expect the doctors to act more responsibly – so to leave no room open for allegations about poor or wrong treatment.

Barely six months ago the doctors of the BMCH went on strike for an indefinite period, last August a number of surgeons were accused for working at private hospitals during regular office hours and earlier another doctor was beaten up inside a private hospital.

We fearfully mark intermittent disruptions in our healthcare sector. This must stop. In the end it is always the vulnerable patients who suffer because of this type of uncalled –for disruptions.

Chaos at DMCH

In the end it is always the vulnerable patients who suffer because of uncalled –for disruptions

Enraged by death of a patient for wrong treatment, relatives of the deceased went on rampage at the coronary care unit (CCU) unit of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) on Sunday. They have also allegedly attacked on-duty doctors, nurses, law enforcers and other employees of the hospital. At least some six people, including doctors, were reported to be hurt during the incident. This is not expected in any hospital. Both parties - concerned doctors and also the relatives of the dead patient should have shown a sharp sense of moral obligation to maintain order. The attackers also vandalised furniture and glasses at the hospital, resulting in the suspension of the emergency medical service at the largest public hospital of the country. This is clearly unacceptable since many were denied emergency treatment temporarily. We call for quick identification of the unruly mob that had taken part in triggering anarchy inside the DMCH while suspending its emergency services. They should be put behind bars. Several dozens of patients who went to the emergency unit of the hospital were seen waiting as the entrance of the emergency department of the hospital temporarily remained shut. More deaths could have followed. The point, however, if the allegation for death due to wrong treatment is somehow proved to be correct, there is a normal course of investigation. The relatives should have definitely shown more tolerance and patience in this regard. Also we expect the doctors to act more responsibly so to leave no room open for allegations about poor or wrong treatment. Barely six months ago the doctors of the BMCH went on strike for an indefinite period, last August a number of surgeons were accused for working at private hospitals during regular office hours and earlier another doctor was beaten up inside a private hospital. We fearfully mark intermittent disruptions in our healthcare sector. This must stop. In the end it is always the vulnerable patients who suffer because of this type of uncalled for disruptions.