Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) on Wednesday said it is not possible to treat BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, with foreign doctors in Bangladesh for lack of equipment and expert medical team.

The pro-BNP platform of physicians, addressing a press conference, also called upon the government to give Khaleda a scope to receive treatment abroad at the earliest on humanitarian grounds.

“Some people are advising to fly in doctors from abroad to treat Khaleda Zia only to buy time and justify the government’s position (not allowing her to go abroad)," said  DAB president Harun-al-Rashid.

READ: Govt is a barrier to Khaleda’s treatment abroad, not law: Fakhrul

He said a trained medical team and supportive equipment are needed for the treatment of Khaleda Zia. “So, it’s not possible to treat her by bringing in doctors from another country.”

Dr Harun said the BNP chief’s illness has reached such a level that there is no scope to waste any more time as she bled several times. “A complete teamwork is necessary for her treatment. This treatment is available in one or two centres, but not everywhere, in the USA, the UK and Germany.”

He said if a doctor is hired from outside, he or she alone cannot work without trained nurses, ward boys and equipment. “Even, one person’s mistake can ruin the whole thing.”

About Khaleda’s latest health condition, Dr Harun said her hemoglobin level has dropped a bit after her rebleeding on Monday night. “She underwent various tests, but the reports are still not available.”

As his attention was drawn to the statement of Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) that Khaleda’s treatment is possible in Bangladesh, the DAB president said the BMA leaders took a position in favour of the government and against the BNP chief’s basic rights of treatment.  “It’s very regrettable.”

“We hoped that the leaders of doctors would tell the truth at this difficult time of Khaleda Zia and express solidarity with Khaleda Zia's medical board. As physicians, we shouldn’t lie about the treatment and we need to work for the benefit of patients,” he said.

Referring to Khaleda’s medical team members, Dr Harun said her treatment is not only possible in Bangladesh but also in the subcontinent.

DAB Secretary General Abdus Salam liver transplant is not done in Bangladesh, let alone the treatment of liver cirrhosis. “Two people have so far undergone liver transplants in Bangladesh. One of them has died while the condition of the other is not good. So, it is wrong information that the treatment of liver cirrhosis is possible in Bangladesh.

READ: Khaleda’s condition now better though rebleeds: Fakhrul

Khaleda, a 76-year-old former prime minister, has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital for various health complications since November 13.

Her medical board members on Sunday said she immediately needs to go abroad for better treatment as she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis.