Strike called off after interns’ penalty scrapped

Interns all over the country called off their work abstention after Health Minister Mohammad Nasim withdrew the punishment of four of their fellows of Bogra Shaheed Ziaur Medical College and Hospital.

The decision came after Minister Nasim held an emergency meeting with the intern doctors’ representatives at Dhanmondi in the capital this morning.

While briefing media, he said, “I requested them (interns) to join their work for public interest and they assured me of doing so”.

Parikkhit Chowdhury, public relations officer of the health ministry, confirmed the development.

Dr Ehteshamul Huq Chowdhury, additional director general of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and leaders of different interns associations of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital and Mitford Hospital were present at the meeting.

The intern doctors of Bogra Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College went on the strike protesting suspension of four interns over assaulting attendants of patients on February 19.

Interns of several other hospitals in the country also expressed solidarity to the strike and observed work abstention demanding withdrawal of the punishment and additional security at their respective working places.

Source: The Daily Star