The number of cancer patients is rising in the country. However, a visit to the Cancer Research Institute in Mohakhali in Dhaka presents a dim picture. The hospital is dirty and, reportedly, the institution is plagued by irregularities, ranging from charging of excess fees to other problems.
In the women’s observation room, only one patient was found while the other beds were empty. Those who have come here are financially insolvent. However, as per the complaints of those who have come to get admitted, nothing happens without money,
One person from Nilfamari says: “the treatment is acceptable but the behavior of the staff is rude; money is demanded at every step.”
I have decided to leave, came the person’s anguished decision.
Another person, Moniruzzaman, who has come for the treatment of his mother, says: “the emergency department is the worst; nothing happens without bribes.”
Moniruzzaman tried in vain for three days to get his mother admitted and, finally, managed to do so by getting into an underhand transaction with a hospital staff.
The 520 bed hospital began its journey in Mohakhali on 11 August, 2011.
One doctor says: “bribes have to be paid at all stages in most government hospitals; those who come here are from low income families, therefore, find the extra expenses a burden.”
To ensure treatment of Cancer patients, life insurance has to be arranged, he suggested.
“If insurance is arranged by government, patients will not die due to lack of treatment and proper medication.”
The doctor also highlighted the unethical practice by middlemen who discourage patients from taking treatment here, luring them to other hospitals.
Dr Ahsan Habib Mukul told Bangla Tribune: “our emergency department has the capacity though a little upgrading is welcome.”
There are six doctors here, two persons carry out the duties according to the roster and we are able to provide all kinds of treatment, he assured.