SZMC
Intern doctors withdraw work stoppage after 48 hours
SZMC Hospital Deputy Director Munzir E Morshed speaks. Photo: Agamir Somoy
Intern doctors at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College (SZMC) Hospital in Bogura have withdrawn their work stoppage after nearly 48 hours over four demands.
SZMC Hospital Deputy Director Munzir E Morshed confirmed the matter Thursday afternoon.
The intern doctors announced the work stoppage following a clash with relatives of a patient late Tuesday night. As part of the work stoppage, they closed the outpatient department ticket counter at around 9:45 am Thursday. This caused suffering for patients who had come from distant areas to receive treatment.
Later at around 12 pm the administrator of Bogura City Corporation, the deputy commissioner, the superintendent of police and other government officials and political leaders held a meeting with the intern doctors. After a three and a half hour meeting, the intern doctors announced that they would withdraw their work stoppage.
SZMC Hospital Deputy Director Munzir E Morshed said, “A regrettable incident occurred with the intern doctors on Tuesday night. Following this incident, they went on a work stoppage with several demands. We sat down with them for discussions today. The discussion was fruitful. The intern doctors have decided to withdraw their work stoppage. They have some demands. We hope we will be able to fulfill their demands within the stipulated time.”
On Tuesday night, a clash broke out between intern doctors and relatives of a patient undergoing treatment at the hospital over the patient's death. At least 12 people from both sides were injured. Following the incident, the intern doctors have been observing the work stoppage since midnight.
SZMC Hospital Ward Master Md. Anwar Hossain filed a case with the police station over the incident. Police arrested six people. They were sent to jail through the court on Wednesday afternoon.
The arrested individuals are Nafiul Islam (26), a resident of Fulbari Dakshinpara and convener of Ward 18 Chhatra Dal; Pranto (22), joint convener; Rakibul Hasan Rakib (18), member; Munna Sheikh, also known as SM Sihab (18), a resident of Fulbari Uttarpara and joint organizing secretary of Ward 19 Chhatra Dal; Biplob Sardar (26), of Namazgarh; and Tanvir Sheikh (26), of Nishindara.
