BSMMU residency programme doctors to go on strike

Physicians attending postgraduate residency programmes at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, or BSMMU, have announced an indefinite work stoppage to press home their demands for increased allowances, timely payments, and clearance of dues.

The work abstention programme will begin on July 8, according to Jabir Hossain, president of the Postgraduate Trainee Doctors Association, reports bdnews24.com.

At least 500 physicians, who are not on the government payroll and are considered private doctors, demonstrated on the campus of Bangladesh's lone medical university last month, but their demands have yet to be met.

"Despite repeated assurances from the authorities regarding our demands, we are still waiting for a resolution. That is why we have announced the work stoppage," Jabir said on Monday.

The group also criticised Health Minister Zahid Maleque for his 'lack of awareness' about the predicament of the embattled physicians.

"Health Minister Zahid Maleque's recent remarks about private trainees demonstrate that he is completely unaware of the scope of our work and the inhumane lives we are forced to lead. We'd like to know how a doctor can support a family on Tk 20,000 in today's volatile commodity market."

The authorities, they claimed, have done nothing to address the physicians' concerns other than delaying the matter with false promises.