Many hospitals in Kolkata have said that they will not discriminate against Bangladeshi patients because of their nationality. Image file is used for representational purposes only | Photo Credit: DEBASISH BHDURI
After reports of atrocities against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and Bangladeshi students allegedly trampling on the Indian flag, news reports of West Bengal hospitals refusing to treat Bangladeshi patients spread like wildfire. The Kingdom sees and treats hundreds of Bangladeshi patients every year, mostly in its capital Kolkata. But how true are the reports of a ‘boycott?’ And what does the medical community say about this matter?
The issue started on November 29, when the JN Ray Hospital, in a statement said, “Lakhs of soldiers in our country shed their blood to bring freedom to Bangladesh, so if they insult the flag of our country, we cannot maintain good relations with them.” ” This statement made by the director of the hospital, Subhrangshu Bhakta, said that they will not provide treatment or medical assistance to any Bangladeshi citizens and have a ‘no entry’ policy for Bangladeshis.
Mr Bhakta’s public statement led to the rapid spread of false information on social media about doctors and hospitals in West Bengal. However, many doctors and reputed hospitals across Kolkata have said that they do not think this way when it comes to their patients.
Many hospitals in Kolkata have said that they will never discriminate against patients based on their nationality.
Talking to A HinduSudipta Mitra, CEO of Peerless Hospital, the oldest private hospital in Kolkata, said that on a typical day they have about 150 outpatients from Bangladesh and 25 inpatients. He continued, “Now the numbers have decreased due to visa issues, but when they return we will treat them the same way we treat any other patient. Bangladeshi patients also feel at home here in our hospital because all our staff are Bengalis, unlike many other private hospitals in the city. ”
Debasish Bhattacharya, Chairman and MD of Disha Eye Hospitals said: “Our incoming patient from Bangladesh is constantly seeking critical eye treatments that are either unavailable or expensive in their home country. To support their journey, we issue medical visa appointment letters, which allow them to obtain the necessary travel permits to India for advanced care. So whenever our patients need urgent medical help, we will support them in all possible and reasonable ways. We do not consider their nationality.” .
A similar view was shared by Debashis Dhar, senior vice president, ILS Hospitals in Kolkata. Mr. Dhar said he was outraged by the actions taking place in Bangladesh and did not support them, but their main goal remained to provide proper medical care to all patients. “Therefore, if any Bangladeshi patient comes to us, as a walk-in, needs treatment, we will not turn them away. However, we are still standing, our advertising activities in Bangladesh. ”
Turmoil is bad for business, for health outcomes
Many prominent hospitals in Kolkata that cater to many Bangladeshi patients every day said the commotion was not good for their business. Many doctors were also concerned about patients receiving long-term treatment and missing appointments due to visa issues. Although they have not issued official statements due to tensions on both sides of the border and ongoing political issues, several hospital officials have insisted that they do not discriminate against patients based on their nationality.
The West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) has clearly stated that it no longer supports the hospital which refused to treat Bangladeshis and said that the hospitals should continue treating patients from Bangladesh. Dr. Ray who is the president of WBMC emphasized that treatment will be given to all patients regardless of their nationality.
In a press conference held on December 3, the Indian Medical Association, West Bengal Branch also strongly opposed the turning away of Bangladeshi patients and any discrimination based on ethnicity. The IMA said that refusing treatment to any patient by a doctor violates medical ethics.
Published – December 06, 2024 07:00 pm IST