Patients with different types of diseases are in trouble as most of the specialist doctors in Dhaka are avoiding their chambers at different healthcare facilities amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Dozens of patients and their attendants have expressed concerns over the doctors' reluctance to attend chambers for the next few weeks, said people familiar with this issue.
On the other hand, doctors and caregivers are passing through a sticky patch for unavailability of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) for their safety.
Abdul Mannan, a septuagenarian pensioner, has run into trouble after a surgeon cancelled the March 26 schedule for removing his gallbladder stones at a private clinic in Moghbazar area.
"I went to the hospital on Saturday to do ultrasonography ahead of my surgery date, but the staffers informed me of the doctor's unavailability for the next 10 days."
Even the surgeon, who gave the appointment a week ago, will not come to the hospital until March 30, with the possibility of extension, Mr Mannan cited.
"Now, I'm really in a fix with the physical complications I have been going through," he said, adding that it would be difficult for him to manage new appointment with a reliable consultant.
Talking to the FE, sources at several hospitals said they cannot take calls for appointment as many consultants are not treating patients for the spread of the novel viral strain.
Central Hospital Limited deputy director (in charge) Dr AKM Mozaher Hossain acknowledged the closure of chambers by some of their consultants.
"Doctors also apprehend that infected individuals might be among the patients," he said adding that most healthcare units still lack adequate protective measures.
"However, patients should not be panicky with the prevailing situation since all doctors are not walking 'on the same line'," he said.
Mr Hossain cited the authorities' failures to provide adequate protective gears for doctors and staffers in time and make the people aware of the situation.
Public health rights activist Dr Rashid-e-Mahbub said it is not unusual for doctors refraining from their work because of poor safety measures for them.
"Now, the emergency treatment facilities should be institutionalised with larger and bigger public-sector hospitals," he said
Mr Mahbub, a specialist in surgery, suggested strengthening the online platforms of some hospitals as an alternative measure considering the situation.
"There is a need for both government and physicians' willingness to make the best use of digital platforms so that prescriptions can be made available electronically in many cases."
Pharmaceutical companies can dispatch medicines with the help of courier services, Mr Mahbub suggested.
However, there is no alternative for individuals but to visit nearby hospitals in case of any emergency services, he concluded.
Our Chattogram Correspondent reported the same day that normal patients are suffering for denial of treatment by physicians at chambers and private clinics for fear of coronavirus.
The patients of diabetes and heart diseases are also suffering immensely for doctors' unsympathetic gesture since last Thursday.
While most of the physicians are not sitting in chambers, many doctors have hung notice, telling that they would treat only old patients and see reports.
Sexagenarian Amir Ahamed came to the chamber of a heart specialist at Jamal Khan on Sunday, but he was told to confirm it that he is free from coronavirus.
"I'm a patient of heart disease and despite my appointment made 10 days ago, the physician denied treating me," he bemoaned.
Shahana Akter, a delivery patient, also suffered the same fate.
"I am almost in final stage of my delivery, but my doctor told me to send him test reports and then he will advise me," she said.
Chattogram civil surgeon Dr Fazle Rabbi Miah said, "The fact is Chattogram is at high risk of COVID-19. We've sent 973 persons to home quarantine until Sunday."
Many physicians and private clinics are denying treatment to the patients. But those suffering from fever and cough can get treatment from their home.
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