Physicians’ work abstention continues in Khulna

The physicians’ work abstention continued for the second day on Thursday in Khulna hospitals in protest against an attack on a fellow physician.

According to sources, physicians in the district halted services at all government and private hospitals, except for emergency care, protesting the attack on a fellow doctor. The work abstention, on its second day , has been causing immense suffering to the patients.

Protesting doctors say that they will not be joining work until those involved in attacking Dr Sheikh Nishat Abdullah, head of Burn and Plastic Surgery Department of Shaheed Sheikh Abu Naser Specialized Hospital, are arrested.

The leaders of Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA), Khulna on Wednesday night announced to continue the work abstention programme until the arrest of the attackers.

They will also stage demonstrations in front of Sheikh Abu Naser Specialized Hospital.

Patients who came from different parts of the district failed to get medical services due to the work abstention.

Mehedi Hasan, who came from Rupsha upazila, said, “I came to Khulna Medical College and Hospital in the morning but after reaching here, I came to know that the physicians are on strike. Now I have to go back.”

Mujibur Rahman, another patient at the hospital said, “I have been here since morning with back pain. I thought I would be able to visit the doctor but no tickets are available there.”

On February 25, Dr Sheikh Nishat Abdullah, head of Burn and Plastic Surgery Department of Shaheed Sheikh Abu Naser Specialized Hospital, was physically assaulted, allegedly by a patient’s relatives including Assistant Sub-inspector Naim posted in Satkhira district police, at a nursing home in Sheikhpara of Khulna city during surgery.

Protesting the attack, Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA), Khulna decided to observe 24-hour work abstention from yesterday morning to Thursday morning.

Dr Sheikh Baharul Alam, president of BMA Khulna unit, announced the work abstention programme while speaking at a press briefing at Kazi Azharul Haque Auditorium on Tuesday.

While reading out the statement, Dr Baharul also demanded the arrest of the attackers.