Exploring the Medico-Legal System in Bangladesh – Perspectives of Doctors from Public Hospitals in Dhaka

Open Access

Abstract

Background: The medico-legal system plays a critical role in supporting justice and ensuring accountability in healthcare. In Bangladesh, doctors in public hospitals frequently perform medico-legal duties despite systemic constraints. This study explored the roles, challenges, and systemic gaps experienced by doctors involved in medico-legal practice in Dhaka. Methods & Materials: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted over a one-year period (January to December, 2024) in three public hospitals in Dhaka—Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital and Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital. Eighteen doctors involved in medico-legal work were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured key informant interviews and document review. Thematic analysis was used to identify major themes, challenges, and improvement opportunities. Results: Participants (n=18) included 6 forensic specialists and 12 lecturers with a mean of 8.5 ± 4.2 years of medico-legal experience. Doctors reported performing core medico-legal tasks such as post-mortem examinations, injury assessment, and providing expert legal opinions. Key challenges included high workload (67%), limited forensic specialist availability (50%), insufficient training (56%), and coordination gaps with police and courts (61%). Systemic issues included lack of standardized protocols (78%), inadequate infrastructure (67%), weak enforcement of medical negligence laws (56%), and limited legal awareness among healthcare providers (56%). Participants recommended expanding training, recruiting more forensic specialists, and strengthening inter-agency coordination. Conclusion: The medico-legal system in Bangladesh faces substantial structural and operational limitations that hinder effective medico-legal practice. Strengthening training, infrastructure, legal frameworks, and standardized protocols is essential for improving medico-legal service quality and supporting justice delivery.