Service disruption as intern doctors protest assault, harassment at RMCH

FE Team | Published: April 21, 2026 22:22:05

OUR CORRESPONDENT
RAJSHAHI, Apr 21: Intern doctors at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) observed a work stoppage on Tuesday protesting alleged harassment by patients' relatives, disrupting regular healthcare services at the facility.
The interns staged a sit-in in front of the hospital's administrative building from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, demanding a safe working environment.
According to the protesting doctors, at least three intern physicians were harassed in two separate incidents over the past two days. On Sunday night, two male interns were allegedly assaulted by patients' attendants in Ward No. 13. The following evening, a female intern doctor was reportedly confined and harassed by a group in Ward No. 36.
Speaking at the programme, interns Dr Tanvir Ahmed Toukir, Dr Mohammad Nasrullah Sheikh, Dr Abira Sultana, Dr Tania Akter and Dr Md Shibli said ensuring workplace safety is essential for uninterrupted healthcare.
They noted that intern doctors work around 14 hours daily on average, yet there is an absence of adequate security measures for them. They called for immediate steps to ensure a safe working environment by bringing those responsible for the incidents to justice.
Hospital sources said emergency and outpatient services remained operational during the work stoppage, although routine services were partially affected. A visit to the hospital found the absence of intern doctors created significant pressure on overall service delivery. As interns play a key role in day-to-day operations, a shortage of doctors was observed in several wards. Other physicians had to cope with increased patient loads, particularly in the emergency department, while routine check-ups and follow-up services slowed down.
Patients and their attendants expressed frustration over the situation. Sonia Akter, a patient's relative, said interns are the primary caregivers in the hospital. "Without them, we are not receiving proper care. The issue should be resolved immediately," she said.
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