Intern doctors at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital in the capital have begun an indefinite work stoppage, demanding the handover of their hostel. The program has been underway since 12:00 pm on Sunday (May 3).
In a press release highlighting the accommodation crisis at the intern hostel and security concerns for female interns, it was stated: “In the context of the unstable situation following August 2024, members of the military have been residing in the intern hostel of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital for nearly 2 (two) years. Their presence has created a severe accommodation shortage for interns and all students, disrupting our normal and safe living conditions.”
According to a statement by the IDC, “The demand has arisen from long-standing frustration, particularly as the safety and normal lifestyle of female intern doctors have been adversely affected.”
“Unfortunately, despite multiple discussions with the hospital administration and representatives of the military, no visible steps have been taken to date,” the release added.
The doctors stated that they had given the concerned authorities a 48 (forty-eight) hour deadline for the prompt withdrawal of the military from the intern hostel and for an effective resolution of the accommodation problem. However, as no visible action was taken within the stipulated time, they were compelled to adopt stricter measures.
Under the current program, intern doctors have refrained from providing all types of services at the hospital since 12:00 pm today, raising concerns over disruptions to regular medical services.
The doctors have demanded that the hostel be vacated immediately and returned for student use. They warned that the work stoppage will continue unless a prompt resolution is provided by the authorities.
DBTech/DMI/MUM/OR
