Intern Doctors’ Work Stoppage at Osmani Hospital Causes Severe Suffering for Patients

Patients are suffering due to the work stoppage by intern doctors at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital.

Intern doctors at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital have been observing a continuous 24-hour work stoppage as no settlement has been reached with the authorities following an attack on a female intern doctor.

The doctors on strike said on Sunday morning that they have entered a second round of talks with the hospital administration.

Md. Ramzan Mia from Habiganj admitted his newborn baby, who was born on Wednesday, to Ward No. 22 on the fifth floor of Osmani Hospital.

Highlighting the suffering caused by the intern doctors’ strike, he said, “Since the fighting on Friday night, we have not been getting any doctors. My son has been diagnosed with jaundice. The doctor prescribed tests, but for the last two days we have not been able to find any doctor to show the reports to. We are poor people—what are we supposed to do?”

Juned Ahmed from the Charkhai area of Beanibazar has been staying at the hospital with his wife for the past five days in the gynecology department of Ward No. 15. He is also suffering due to the work stoppage.

He said, “My wife gave birth to a baby boy through a C-section. Since yesterday, we have not been getting any doctors. Treatment is currently continuing based on the previously prescribed treatment. Let’s see what happens by today.”

A patient’s attendant named Sourav on the fourth floor of the hospital said, “Since yesterday, we have not been getting any doctors. My patient was supposed to undergo surgery, for which tests were done. But we cannot find anyone to show the reports to. We are poor people what else can we do?”

On Friday night, an argument broke out between intern doctors and patients along with their attendants at the No. 4 Surgery Ward on the fourth floor of the hospital. At one stage, it turned into a clash. At least five people, including a female doctor, were injured. Police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.

After the work stoppage began, senior administrative officials including the hospital director held a meeting with the protesting intern doctors around 12 noon on Saturday. After nearly an hour of discussion, the intern doctors announced that they would continue their work stoppage.