Delta Medical Interns Protest Over Allowance Dispute

Intern doctors at Delta Medical College Hospital staged a protest rally and human chain on Wednesday, alleging that the hospital authority has failed to implement the government-approved monthly internship allowance of Tk 20,000.

According to the protesting doctors, the hospital is currently paying only Tk 15,000 per month despite a government directive setting the allowance for intern doctors in public and private medical college hospitals at Tk 20,000.

The demonstration began with a protest march in front of the hospital in Mirpur and later turned into a human chain. Besides intern doctors, students from different batches of Delta Medical College also joined the program in solidarity and raised concerns over what they described as discriminatory administrative practices.

Four-Point Demand

Speaking at the protest, intern doctors said they have been providing healthcare services around the clock but their legitimate demands have remained unresolved for a long time, negatively affecting both their work performance and mental well-being.

The protesters said they had formally notified the hospital administration on June 7 and had been observing an indefinite peaceful work stoppage. However, they alleged that no effective initiative had been taken by the authorities during the past three days to address their concerns.

Their key demands include:

• Increasing the monthly internship allowance from Tk 15,000 to Tk 20,000 in line with government directives.
• Introducing a minimum monthly allowance of Tk 5,000 for unpaid (non-paid) interns.
• Ensuring payment of salaries and allowances within the first seven working days of every month through a clear policy framework.
• Improving workplace facilities and ensuring a safe working environment.

Concerns Over Facilities and Security

The intern doctors also highlighted inadequate facilities within the hospital, claiming that duty rooms lack sufficient space, personal lockers, and proper resting arrangements.

They demanded immediate improvements in room security, cleanliness, and air-conditioning facilities for male interns. The protesters further called for enhanced workplace safety through adequate medical supplies and sufficient security personnel during duty hours.

The doctors alleged that previous movements seeking allowance increases had been suppressed through intimidation and disciplinary measures by former hospital authorities. They vowed to continue their movement until their demands are met.

The protesters warned that if their four-point demands—including allowance revision, timely payment, improved facilities, and a secure working environment—are not addressed immediately, they will announce stricter and more extensive programs from Thursday.

//DBTech/MV/EK/OR//