Doctors' strike at CMC halts outpatient services
The strike would continue for 24 hours, and unless there are further central directives, they might return to work tomorrow
Intern doctors at Chattogram Medical College (CMC) have gone on a 24-hour strike since this morning (13 March) in protest against police baton charges on their colleagues during a demonstration in Dhaka the previous day. As a result, outpatient services at the hospital have come to a halt, causing severe difficulties for patients who travelled from distant areas for treatment.
Confirming the matter, Brigadier General Taslim Uddin, director of CMC Hospital, told The Business standard, "We tried to keep the outpatient department operational, but the intern doctors obstructed it. However, emergency services and treatments in hospital wards are continuing as usual."
Ahmad Hasnain Zoheb, a team member of the CMC Intern Doctors' Council, told The Business Standard, "After the High Court ruling yesterday, we had resumed work. However, following the unprovoked police attack on doctors' peaceful protest in Dhaka, we have declared a strike from 8am today."
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He added that the strike would continue for 24 hours, and unless there are further central directives, they might return to work tomorrow.
Intern doctors have long been protesting against the health ministry's decision on Medical Assistant Training School (MATS) and Diploma in Medical Faculty (DMF) graduates, demanding action under a five-point charter.
They had previously started their second phase of strike action yesterday morning (12 March).
Amidst the protests, the High Court ruled yesterday that only holders of MBBS and BDS degrees could use the title of "doctor," fulfilling their first and primary demand. However, the intern doctors have vowed to continue their movement until the remaining four demands, including the enactment of a law ensuring doctors' protection, are met.
