Asif Nazrul calls on doctors to stop 'torturing' patients with 'unnecessary tests'

Law Advisor Asif Nazrul has urged doctors to end the practice of prescribing unnecessary medical tests, calling it an abuse that exploits patients and undermines trust in the healthcare system, reports bdnews24.com.

Speaking on Saturday at an event organised by the Bangladesh Private Hospital, Clinic and Diagnostic Owners Association (BPHCDOA), Nazrul raised concerns over common complaints against physicians.

"I often hear that doctors write prescriptions without properly listening to patients and order unnecessary tests," he said.

"Ordering tests without any reason, and asking for them right away, this should not happen. Please put a stop to this torture. Take it seriously."

Drawing an example from his personal life, Nazrul said: "Our house help went to see a doctor recently and was prescribed 14 tests. Later, they consulted a doctor in Mymensingh who treated them without any tests." The advisor urged doctors to stop exploiting poor patients like this. "Which Bangladeshi wants to go abroad for treatment?" he asked.

"People who have never even set foot in Dhaka travel to India or Bangkok for treatment. They go abroad out of sheer frustration and helplessness."

"Stop forcing them to leave the country. If quality care is provided here, no one will seek treatment abroad."

He also questioned why major hospitals and clinics in Bangladesh allocate specific times for pharmaceutical company representatives to meet doctors.