Despite negative results from blood and cough tests, and a CT scan, journalist Ibrahim Roni, the Chandpur correspondent for Bangla Tribune, underwent misguided tuberculosis (TB) treatment for five and a half months under the care of Professor Dr Ali Hussain, an expert doctor at LabAid Hospital.
After enduring worsening symptoms during the course of the treatment, Roni sought medical attention again.
At this point, the doctor said: "The medication is ineffective for your condition and will be discontinued. Further tests will be necessary."
Consequently, Roni underwent additional tests as advised by the doctor from a hospital preferred by him. However, no disease was detected through these tests.
Upon receiving the diagnosis report, Ali Hussain asked Roni who prescribed him tuberculosis medication. After learning that he was the one who had prescribed the medication, the doctor reportedly became visibly uncomfortable.
Roni has a recording of this last conversation with Dr Ali Hussain. Following the wrong treatment, Roni was admitted to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University in critical condition.
Doctors there informed Roni's relatives and colleagues that his lungs suffered abnormal damage due to the prolonged tuberculosis treatment. Currently, his treatment remains uncertain, as his weight continues to drop and he experiences chest pain when coughing.
According to Roni's relatives, doctors at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University determined that he has an infection in both lungs. Roni is now afflicted with a cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, loss of appetite and allergy-related issues.
The wrong treatment administered by Dr Ali Hussain has pushed him to the brink of death, they claimed.
Efforts to reach Dr Ali Hussain for comment were unsuccessful.
The hospital authorities said they would discuss the issue with him on Sunday.
Several doctors criticized Roni's treatment, stating that many physicians prescribe tuberculosis medication based solely on a patient's symptoms. However, such a course of action is incorrect. A full six-month course of medication is necessary for tuberculosis treatment. Administering such incorrect treatment should have been avoided.
Dr Saleh Ahmed, associate professor (medicine) at Chandpur Medical College Hospital, commented on Roni's treatment, saying: "While a doctor can treat tuberculosis and other complex diseases depending on the type, prescribing long-term medication without conducting tests, even if temporary, is unacceptable. Such mistakes should not be made by a doctor of his calibre."
When questioned about tuberculosis treatment, Dr Afzalur Rahman, assistant director of the MBDC under the National Tuberculosis Control Program, stated: "To diagnose tuberculosis, cough microscopic tests, gene expert tests and, if necessary, other tests such as X-rays are conducted. The doctor determines the most suitable approach for the patient based on clinical judgment and additional tests."
Regarding whether a doctor can administer tuberculosis treatment in the absence of a positive diagnosis, Afzalur Rahman added: "That decision lies with the doctor. If the presence of bacteria is not confirmed but the doctor deems it appropriate based on clinical judgment and other tests, they may initiate tuberculosis treatment. However, making such judgments without a comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition is not advisable."
He further advised: "If a patient fails to improve even after five and a half months of medication, there may have been an error in the treatment. If one lacks confidence in their doctor, it is advisable to seek a second opinion."
Meanwhile, journalists in Chandpur expressed their distress over journalist Roni's deteriorating condition due to the incorrect treatment. Journalistic organizations, including the Chandpur Press Club, have expressed their anger and condemnation, with colleagues contemplating legal action.
