Patients suffer as doctors strike at Comilla Medical College Hospital
Doctors said their strike was for the betterment of the healthcare system and the protection of doctors
Patients seeking treatment at Comilla Medical College Hospital (COMCH) faced severe difficulties as doctors went on strike today (11 March) over various demands.
The strike, involving interns, private training doctors, and Comilla Medical College students, left many patients stranded, with the hospital's main gates closed.
Sattar Mia, who travelled from Chandpur with his wife and children for medical care, expressed his frustration, saying, "I came here with great difficulty, only to find doctors on strike and no treatment available. What's the point of coming here?"
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The strike, initially planned from 8-12 March, officially began today.
The protesting doctors have put forward five key demands - restricting the use of the "doctor" title to MBBS and BDS graduates, updating the over the counter (OTC) drug list, addressing the shortage of doctors in the healthcare sector, shutting down low-quality medical colleges and MATS institutions, and implementing the Doctor Protection Act.
Rahima Begum from Rajapara, whose son broke his hand while playing, shared her distress, "I brought my son for treatment, but the doctors are holding a protest instead of treating patients."
In response, the striking doctors defended their actions, stating that their strike was for the betterment of the healthcare system and the protection of doctors.
While this may temporarily inconvenience patients, it will ultimately lead to long-term benefits, said the doctors.
