Several hospitals in Kolkata have said that they will in no way discriminate against Bangladeshi patients based on their nationality. File photograph used for representational purposes only
| Photo Credit: Debasish Bhaduri
After incidents of atrocities against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and of Bangladeshi students allegedly trampling on the Indian flag were reported, news reports of hospitals in West Bengal refusing to treat Bangladeshi patients spread like wildfire. The State sees and treats hundreds of Bangladeshi patients every year, primarily in its capital city Kolkata. But how true are the reports of ‘boycotts?’ And what does the medical fraternity feel about the issue?
The issue began on November 29, when the J.N. Ray Hospital, in a statement said, “Lakhs of soldiers from our country shed their blood to bring freedom to Bangladesh, so when they insult our national flag, we cannot maintain cordial relations with them.” This statement made by the hospital’s director Subhrangshu Bhakta, said that they would offer no treatment or medical assistance to any Bangladeshi nationals and had a ‘no entry’ policy for Bangladeshi nationals.
Mr. Bhakta’s public statement led to the rapid spreading of misinformation on social media with regard to West Bengal doctors and hospitals. However, multiple doctors and reputed hospitals from across Kolkata have said they do not think along these lines when it comes to their patients.
Several hospitals in Kolkata have said that they will in no way discriminate against patients based on their nationality.
Speaking to The Hindu, Sudipta Mitra, CEO of Peerless Hospital, which is the oldest private hospital in Kolkata, said that on a regular day they have around 150 outpatients from Bangladesh and around 25 admissions. He further said, “Now, the numbers have reduced due to visa issues, but when they come back, we will treat them just as we treat any other patient. Bangladeshi patients also feel at home here at our hospital because all our staff is Bengali, unlike many other private hospitals in the city.”
Debasish Bhattacharya, Chairman and MD of Disha Eye Hospitals said: “Our patient inflow from Bangladesh has remained consistent for critical eye treatments that are either unavailable or too costly in their home country. To support their journey, we issue appointment letters for medical visas, allowing them to secure the necessary travel permissions to India for advanced care. So whenever our patients are in dire need of immediate medical attention, we will support them in all possible and fair ways. Their nationality is not our consideration.” .
Similar views were shared by Debashis Dhar, senior vice president, ILS Hospitals in Kolkata. Mr. Dhar said he was offended by the actions that took place in Bangladesh and does not support them, but their primary goal remained providing proper medical care to all patients. “Therefore, if any Bangladeshi patient comes to us, as a walk-in, needing treatment, we will not turn them away. However, we have placed on hold, our promotional activities in Bangladesh.”
Turmoil is bad for business, health outcomes
Many reputed hospitals in Kolkata that cater to dozens of Bangladeshi patients on a daily basis said that this turmoil has been bad for their business. Many doctors have also been worried about the patients who were on long-term treatments and have missed appointments due to visa issues. While they have not issued official statements due to the volatile situation on both sides of the border and the ongoing political issues, many hospital officials emphasised that they do not discriminate against patients based on their nationality.
The West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) had clearly said that is does not support the hospital that refused to treat Bangladeshis and said that hospitals should continue offering treatment to patients from Bangladesh. Dr. Ray who is the president of WBMC reiterated that treatment would be offered to all patients regardless of nationality.
At a press conference held on December 3, the India Medical Association, West Bengal Branch also strongly opposed the turning away of Bangladeshi patients and any discrimination based on nationality. The IMA said that refusing treatment to any patient by a doctor violated medical ethics.
Published – December 06, 2024 07:00 pm IST
