Acceptance of commission by doctors from diagnostic centres and different benefits from pharmaceutical companies has long been an open secret in the country. Media reports suggest the commission from diagnostic centres ranges from 30 per cent to 50 per cent depending on the reputation of the centres while the benefits from pharmaceuticals know no bounds. They range from cash to overseas trips and much more. The less is the reputation of diagnostic centres and pharmaceuticals, the more the percentage of commission and benefits doctors receive. There is a public perception that many doctors suggest unnecessary tests and prescribe needless medicines only for their personal benefits. What does such unethical practice by doctors mean to patients? It means patients pay far more ---sometimes unnecessarily---than they are supposed to. It is hard for anyone to imagine how much money patients are paying extra every year only to satisfy the avarice of such doctors. The situation has reached such a point that many patients are scared of going to physicians and this is one of the reasons behind a large number of Bangladeshis going abroad for medical treatment. It is very unfortunate for a country like Bangladesh where many citizens are deprived of their basic healthcare for financial constraints.
Promotion of substandard medicines by a section of physicians is another big concern in the healthcare sector. There are allegations that many pharmaceutical companies producing such medicines have created a big market for their products with the help of the unscrupulous physicians, who prefer prescribing below par medicines only for their personal gain, no matter the adverse impacts of those on the users.
Acceptance of commission and other benefits by doctors is not only unethical by any standard, but also a violation of the Code of Ethics every doctor pledges to follow. "The health and well-being of my patient will be my first consideration" is one of the oaths they have to take before entering the medical profession. How will a doctor ensure the well-being of a patient compelling him or her to pay a huge extra cost and take substandard medicines?
The medical profession is considered one of the noble professions in any society, but a section of the professionals have stained its nobility in Bangladesh and no end to the situation is in sight. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) is responsible for monitoring the diagnostic centres in the capital and checking their any involvement in malpractice while the responsibility of ensuring the standard of medicines lies with the Directorate General of Drug Administration. The ground situation, however, suggests they have failed to perform their responsibilities.
Action against doctors receiving commission from diagnostic centres and promoting substandard medicines has become overdue to end the malpractice. Unless the regulatory authorities initiate measures without any delay against such unethical practice, the situation will simply worsen, further eroding the confidence of patients in doctors and health facilities in the country. That will take a toll not only on the patients, but also on the entire healthcare sector ---a grim prospect.
rahmansrdk@gmail.com