Dhaka: Health Minister Mohammad Nasim on Wednesday asked relatives of patients to move Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) if they have any allegation of negligence in treatment against any physician.

“Go to BMDC if you have any allegation of negligence or wrong treatment against any physician. The organisation will take action against the alleged doctor,” he said.

The minister made the call while speaking at a views-exchange meeting with the leaders of Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) and Swadhinata Chikitsak Parishad and journalists at the ministry.

He also urged the near ones of patients not to vandalise hospitals for alleged negligence in treatment or wrong treatment.

Nasim also said physicians cannot observe strike at any government or private hospital over any incident holding patients hostage.

The government is formulating the ‘Medical Service Act’ where there will be more facilities for patients, he said, adding that the draft law has been uploaded on the ministry’s website for suggestions from people.

Responding to a query as to why any punishment is not meted out to physicians for negligence in treatment or wrong treatment, Nasim said the BMDC will take action from now on.

He also said it has already taken punitive actions against 15 physicians for various allegations.