Clash and Chaos at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital
Tensions escalated at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital following allegations of medical negligence, leading to arguments, vandalism, and physical altercations between patients’ relatives and intern doctors and hospital staff. The situation has triggered severe unrest at the hospital, prompting intern doctors to go on strike. Police have so far detained three individuals in connection with the incident.
Since Saturday morning (17 January), intern doctors have been observing a work stoppage, demanding a safe working environment and exemplary punishment for those involved in the attack. As part of the protest, they have suspended medical services for incoming patients. However, medical officers, registrars, assistant registrars, and other on-duty physicians continue to provide healthcare services at the hospital.
Intern doctors stated that they will continue their strike until workplace security is ensured.
Assistant Director (Administration and Training) of Osmani Medical College Hospital, Dr Md Kamruzzaman, said the incident was completely unacceptable. “We are currently holding discussions with senior leaders of the Intern Doctors’ Council,” he added. He also noted that no major disruption in patient care has occurred due to the strike.
The incident took place around midnight on Friday (16 January) in Ward No. 6 on the fourth floor of the hospital.
According to hospital sources, relatives of a patient initially engaged in heated arguments with nurses and intern doctors over alleged negligence in treatment. The situation soon escalated into vandalism inside the ward, followed by physical attacks on intern doctors and on-duty staff. A female intern doctor was reportedly harassed, and several staff members were assaulted.
Upon learning of the incident, on-duty intern doctors apprehended three individuals, including a woman, allegedly involved in the attack. Subsequently, doctors and hospital staff reportedly assaulted the detained individuals. Police later arrived late at night and took the three into custody. They are currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in the city.
Deputy Director of the hospital, Md Mahbubur Rahman, said intern doctors have been on strike since Friday night, demanding security and punishment for the attackers. “A case will be filed regarding the assault, and legal action will be taken against those responsible. Ensuring the safety of intern doctors is our top priority,” he said, adding that all necessary measures have been taken to maintain peace within the hospital premises.
Sylhet Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (Media) Mohammad Saiful Islam said multiple police teams were deployed after receiving reports of clashes between patients’ relatives and hospital staff. “Several individuals have been detained in connection with the incident. Police are actively working to maintain security and order at the hospital. Further legal proceedings are underway,” he said.
DBTech/SV/EK/OR
