BSMMU VC for amending organ transplant law to prevent Bangladeshis going abroad
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The existing organ transplant law needs to be amended to prevent domestic patients from going abroad for transplants, said Prof Dr Md Sharfuddin Ahmed, vice chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).
Some complexities of the existing organ transplant laws hinder voluntary organ donation, and, due to legal complications, many Bangladeshis are flying abroad to transplant various organs, including kidneys, he said while speaking at a conference on Wednesday.
"A kidney transplant costs Tk 300,000 at BSMMU, while it costs Tk 3 million in neighbouring countries. Doctors in the country can prevent these remittances if the organ transplant law allows humane donation," Prof Dr Md Sharfuddin Ahmed added.
The BSMMU VC made the remarks at the inauguration of the 51st annual conference of the Ophthalmological Society of Bangladesh (OSB), which began at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University.
Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan was present as the chief guest at the event.
President of the Bangladesh Medical Association Dr Mustafa Jalal Mohiuddin, Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology President Prof Ava Hossain, OSB Secretary General Prof Dipak Kumar Nag spoke at the conference, among others.
The Chief Justice urged OSB to establish one eye hospital in each divisional city of the country and perform at least one out of every 10 cataract operations free of charge.
He said no doctor wants any patient to die, urging judges to take a conscious look at cases where the patient died due to medical negligence.
"If a doctor is detained in case of an accident, other patients will be deprived of services and will suffer," the Chief Justice added.
The BSMMU VC demanded that doctors should not be arrested until a crime is proven.
He suggested the formation of a committee comprising representatives of administration, magistrates, and specialist doctors to investigate allegations against doctors involved in patient deaths.
The VC expressed concern that if doctors are arrested without proper investigation, the medical system will collapse.
Additionally, he highlighted the increasing number of female doctors in Bangladesh and stressed the importance of enhancing their security.
The President of OSB Prof AHM Enayet Hussain presided over the event.