The citizen platform Health Service Protection Movement formally launched at a discussion meeting at the National Press Club on Saturday. It aims to help patients and relatives who face medical negligence, wrong treatment or mistreatment while seeking care to file complaints and pursue remedies. Convener Nibin Reza and member secretary Mazharul Islam outlined the organisation’s activities, while several family members affected by alleged negligence shared their experiences.

Barrister Sara Hossain said special attention was needed to ensure that socially and economically disadvantaged victims can access justice, and stressed the media’s role in providing accurate health-service information. Barrister Rashna Imam said the country’s current legal framework was insufficient for prompt and effective resolution of negligence complaints, calling for a workable framework involving doctors, hospitals and other parties.

Organisers said the platform will provide information, advice and follow-up support on where and how to complain, which medical documents to preserve, and where legal or institutional assistance is available. It also plans to verify complaints impartially, guide affected people toward support and promote measures to improve future patient safety while giving equal importance to patient rights and doctors’ professional dignity.