A recent report documenting 7,500 patients waiting for radiotherapy due to a shortage of treatment facilities and capacity at National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital (NICRH) is deeply concerning.
Every little delay can allow a disease to progress, reduce the chances of recovery, and place an even greater burden on families already struggling to cope, making this a matter of life and death.
The situation becomes more troubling when we consider how many Bangladeshis seek treatment abroad because they lack confidence in, or access to, adequate medical care at home.
However, travelling overseas is not a realistic option for most citizens. The costs of treatment, travel, and accommodation are prohibitive, while visa restrictions, the need for medical attendants, and the urgency of treatment create additional barriers.
This is not something to be taken lightly. Immediate action must begin with making the most of existing resources. The government should assess the availability and operational status of radiotherapy machines across public hospitals, repair non-functional equipment, and extend operating hours where staffing and safety permit.
Patients waiting for treatment should be registered in a centralized system and referred to facilities with available capacity. Partnerships with private hospitals could also help provide subsidized treatment to patients who cannot afford private healthcare.
Public hospitals must receive adequate funding, while transparent procurement and maintenance systems should prevent expensive equipment from remaining unused.
Cancer care, and indeed good healthcare in general, must not become a privilege reserved for those who can afford to cross borders. The government has a responsibility to ensure that citizens can access timely, quality treatment within their own country.
Promises of better healthcare mean little when patients spend their most critical days waiting. Every day lost is a day that some patients may never get back.
