Intern doctors at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) began a 24-hour work abstention on Wednesday, pressing for the resolution of medical supply shortages, improved workplace security and three other demands.
The work stoppage started at 8am on Wednesday, disrupting healthcare services at the hospital.
The hospital’s Intern Doctors Society announced the programme in an emergency press release issued on Tuesday.
The protesting interns said inpatient wards were facing severe shortages of essential medicines and medical equipment.
They also alleged that unrestricted access by patients’ attendants and negligence by Ansar personnel assigned to hospital security had repeatedly exposed them to unwanted confrontations and collective threats.
They said the non-operation of the hospital’s observation room and casualty department had further increased the burden on inpatient wards, making it difficult for them to provide treatment with limited manpower and medical supplies.
According to the interns, hospital authorities had repeatedly assured them that the problems would be addressed but had failed to take effective measures.
They said the 24-hour work stoppage was called as a last resort to press for the fulfilment of their five-point demand.
