An experience of telemedicine

We confirmed a telemedicine appointment for an elderly, female family member with a doctor of a reputed hospital in Bashundhara area, Dhaka, via its website on August 10, paying Tk 1,400 through mobile financial service. After deferral of appointment time from 1.30pm to 2.45pm, it took at least 15 minutes to connect with the physician. The connection was finally set up at around 3.10pm, but the doctor couldn't hear the patient. After repeated interruptions, he asked us to come to the hospital physically brining with us some test reports.

We made the appointment for telemedicine, as introduced by the hospital, to avoid hazards the old woman might face for visiting public places including hospital during the pandemic. We wanted to carry out diagnostic tests by a reputed pathology in Badda, which the doctor opposed and he referred to another. When the patient went to show the doctor the reports, we had to pay again and this time Tk 1,600.

Such experiences show that people cannot be assured of good healthcare services, nor could they go anywhere to lodge any complaints in case of mistreatment. During the pandemic, some people are taking advice via telephone or the social media only if the physicians are their friends and relatives. So, fault of poor medicare service lies mainly with the organisational culture. The earliest we address this healthcare issue the better.

Malik Muntasir Reza

Shyamoli, Dhaka-1207

[email protected]