Medical interns start complete shutdown over 5-point demand

Interns at government medical college hospitals in the country including Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) and Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH) started a 'complete shutdown' on Sunday, demanding the fulfillment of their five-point demand, including reforms in the healthcare sector, reports UNB.

The strike, called by the Intern Doctors' Council, started at 08:00 am, seriously affecting the treatment of admitted patients.

"Medical interns have been on work abstention since morning. The interns in other medical colleges have also started the strike.

We have announced the strict programme to press home our demands. After today's human-chain protest, we will submit a memorandum to the principal and hospital director," said intern Zobayer Ahmad.

Emergency services, surgeries and outpatient care will, however, remain outside the purview of the movement.

In a statement, the Intern Doctors' Council condemned the repeated delays in High Court order over healthcare sector reforms. "On February 19, for the 90th time, the High Court postponed its verdict, turning the healthcare sector into a theatrical stage. We strongly denounce and protest this," the statement reads.