Fake doctors galore

Sir,

Wrong medical treatment by fake doctors has endangered the lives of scores of innocent people throughout the country in recent times. Taking advantage of the helplessness of a section of people who are suffering from various diseases, the fake doctors are doing roaring business. These so-called doctors are associated with substandard private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres. Over the past few years, low-quality hospitals and diagnostic centres have mushroomed in the country.
   A section of touts and middlemen who loiter around the public hospitals and clinics are aiding these so-called doctors in exchange for financial benefits. They watch and follow the poor patients and entrap them. That these poor patients are fleeced and cheated outright by the fake doctors and their agents is evident. This kind of incident some times makes newspaper headlines. This malpractice cannot go on in a democratic country.
The situation warrants immediate remedy. The fake doctors and their agents should be reined in forthwith in the interest of public health. A few parasitic elements should not be allowed to jeopardize the entire health care system. It is the responsibility of the ministry of health and the health department to take stringent measures against this malpractice. Creation of public awareness in this regard can bring the desired results. Members of the law enforcement agencies should be alert in this regard.

A citizen
Dhaka