Misinformation, fake news prompt hosps to make stand clear
Times of India | 5 December 2024
Kolkata: The cultural affinity, language, food, and easy access make thousands of Bangladeshi patients cross over to Kolkata for medical care. From kidney transplants and cardiac surgeries to infertility treatment, hundreds of patients from across the border throng Kolkata hospitals daily. Even if the numbers have dipped drastically due to the ongoing turmoil in Bangladesh, doctors in city hospitals said they will continue to care for these patients with the same kind of fervour.
While the turmoil in the neighbouring country is evoking protests in Kolkata, demanding the safeguard of minorities in that country, Kolkata hospitals continue to render medical services to patients from Bangladesh.
"In no way will we discriminate against patients from Bangladesh. Whether one is a Sanyasi, terrorist, or a petty criminal, they are all patients for doctors and hospitals," said Peerless Hospital CEO Sudipta Mitra.
Deepak Shankar Ray, the head of the nephrology department at RN Tagore International Hospital of Cardiac Sciences, said his department would see between 15-20 patients from Bangladesh a day, which has now come down to around 5. "Fewer patients are coming due to visa and travel issues. As doctors, we do not see the community, religion, or nationality of patients. They are all equal. We will continue our medical services to patients from our neighbouring country who can make it to the city," Ray said.
Cardiothoracic and heart transplant surgeon K M Mandana of Fortis Hospital Anandapur said there is no question of not tending to Bangladeshi patients who consider Kolkata their second home. "The relationship between Kolkata doctors and Bangladeshi patients has been strong for years now, and the current unrest will have no impact on this relationship. In fact, we are worried that many patients are unable to come for treatment as some conditions can go from bad to worse rapidly," said Mandana.
Some hospitals are even arranging for online consultations for their patients so that whatever medical care can be given remotely is rendered. "Whatever is happening in Bangladesh is troubling. Any sensible govt should ensure the safety and security of each of its citizen and maintain communal harmony. While these issues are political, professionally, we have taken the Hippocratic Oath and will treat all patients, including those from Bangladesh, equally," said critical care specialist Ajay Sarkar, head of the department at Peerless Hospital.
While all hospitals in Kolkata get patients from Bangladesh, the number of Muslim patients outnumbers the Hindu patients from that country. "For infertility, many woman patients from Bangladesh feel more comfortable with a woman doctor. We have helped many bear children with medical care here and will continue to do the same in the future. Whoever comes seeking care from us is a patient regardless of community or country," said fertility expert Kausiki Ray of AM Fertility (formerly AMRI Fertility).
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