Doctors in Ctg worried by patients’ undisclosed info

A sense of apprehension has gripped doctors and healthcare providers in Chattogram, after the first coronavirus patient of the port city potentially infected his medical attendants at a private hospital by excluding vital information from his contact history.

The 67-year-old, who was detected Covid-19 positive on Friday evening, primarily withheld the information that his daughter came from Saudi Arabia recently. As a result, doctors and healthcare providers treating the patient did not take protective measures, said Dr Hasan Shahriar Kabir, director (Chattogram division) of Directorate General of Health Services.

Three doctors and 15 nurses and staffers of a private hospital -- who came in contact with the patient – were sent to home quarantine on Friday evening, he added. "This trend of concealing information puts healthcare providers at risk," said Dr Hasan.

Meanwhile, many patients alleged that they hide such information so that they are not deprived of treatment. SM Nazer Hossain, central vice president of Consumers' Association of Bangladesh, told The Daily Star that patients now do not get to see doctors at chambers, they rather go to hospitals.

"Many patients with symptoms like fever and cough have been refused treatment at hospitals," he said, adding, "So patients conceal their history, fearing refusal."

"Safety of doctors is a must but at the same time the rights of patients have to be ensured," he said. Both doctors and patients should be able to trust each other and it's the responsibility of the authorities concerned to ensure a safe atmosphere for them, he added.

Contacted, Prof Dr Selim Muhammad Jahangir, former principal of Chattogram Medical College, said patients should provide accurate information when asked by doctors. "If a doctor gets infected due to concealing information by a patient, there is a chance that others might get affected as a physician tends to many people."

"If a person who came in contact with an expatriate has fever or flu, he or she should go to hospitals designated by the government. That person should not go to a general hospital, concealing information," said Dr Jahangir.

Contacted, Dr Faisal Iqbal Chowdhury, general secretary of Bangladesh Medical Association, Chattogram, requested all not to hide information from doctors. "If you hide information, you'll put both your and the doctor's lives at risk."

Regarding patients' allegation of being denied treatment, he said there are isolation wards at different hospitals. These hospitals are bound to receive and treat patients. "Do not be worried... you will get treatment."

Chattogram Civil Surgeon Dr Sheikh Fazle Rabbi also said suspected coronavirus patients are being admitted to isolation wards of designated hospitals. Patients do not need to hide information, fearing refusal of treatment, he added.