Naim-Ul-Karim
In our society, a doctor is often seen as a lifesaver, a figure of trust and respect. We go to them when we are at our most vulnerable, believing they have our best interests at heart. But a worrying trend is emerging in Bangladesh’s health sector. A section of doctors is slowly shedding their role as healers and putting on the hat of businessmen. For them, the ultimate dream is no longer just saving lives; it is to own a hospital, be decorated as its “Chairman,” and have the prestigious title of “Professor” before their name.
This shift in ambition is creating a crisis where patient care is becoming a secondary goal, and the primary goal is making as much money as possible, and fast. First, there is the desire to own a hospital or clinic. But the problem begins when this dream is pursued through any means necessary. The second dream is to gain the title of “Professor,” which brings immense social status and allows them to charge higher fees.
To achieve these two dreams quickly, some doctors are getting involved in what can only be called a clever, but immoral, business. They forget the noble ideals they once swore by. The oath to “do no harm” is overshadowed by the desire to “make more profit.”
This business model is built on exploiting the patient’s trust and lack of knowledge. It starts with small things. A doctor prescribes unnecessary medicines or sends a patient for unnecessary tests at a diagnostic center. It is because they get a commission, a secret cut of the money the patient pays. The patient, trusting the doctor, pays for things they may not even need.
Then comes the shock of the medical bill. A simple operation that should cost BDT 2,000 suddenly has a price tag of BDT 200,000. How is this possible? The same medical procedure can have wildly different prices depending on where it is done. For example, we shared an example: one senior professor charged BDT 1,700 for an endoscopy at a diagnostic center. Another professor of the same caliber charged BDT 25,000 for the exact same procedure at a different hospital. The quality of care was the same, but the price was 15 times higher.
The rush to see more patients means less time is spent on each one. A colorectal surgeon I know in Dhanmondi performs a colonoscopy for BDT 12,000 and then charges an additional BDT 2,000 for a consultation that lasted less than a minute. This is not treatment; this is a transaction. The patient becomes a number, a source of income, not a person needing care.
Why is this happening? The main reasons are the desire for quick wealth. The pressure to become rich quickly, to buy flats, cars, and houses, is pushing some doctors towards these shortcuts.
In Bangladesh, the laws to control medical malpractice and corrupt business practices in the health sector are weak. Even when rules exist, they are rarely enforced. There is no strong watchdog to hold these doctors accountable for their unfair prices or unnecessary procedures. The country’s overall management of the health sector allows this to flourish. There is a lack of standard pricing for procedures and no strong system to monitor the quality and necessity of medical services.
While the situation in Bangladesh is acute, the problem of commercialised healthcare exists worldwide. In many countries, including some developed ones, the high cost of healthcare is a major issue. In the United States, for instance, a simple ambulance ride or a routine surgery can lead to massive debt for patients. The difference is that those countries often have stronger systems for insurance and patient rights, which can offer some protection. In Bangladesh, the patient is often left completely exposed.
We cannot lose faith in all doctors. Many still work with dedication and honesty. Patients must be aware and ask questions. Ask why a test is needed, what the medicine is for, and if there are cheaper alternatives. The government must step in. We need clear laws on medical service pricing and a strong, independent body to monitor clinics and hospitals. Medical associations and universities must promote ethics. The title of “Professor” should be given for knowledge and skill, not for wealth or connections.
The health of a nation depends on the integrity of its health sector. When doctors become businessmen, the very foundation of trust that healing is built upon crumbles. It is time to demand that the white coat once again symbolizes care and compassion, not just commerce and corruption.
The writer is a journalist
