Freeze on clearing RMCH interns!

Rajshahi University (RU) is considering a freeze on clearing intern doctors for a medical degree, university officials say.

This follows attacks on journalists by intern doctors at Rajshahi Medical College.

"We award the MBBS degree for Rajshahi Medical College . Now the proposal for a freeze has come from a student organisation and the journalists", RU's vice chancellor Mizan Uddin told bdnews24.com on Tuesday.

His comments come a day after health minister Mohammed Nasim warned of strong action against doctors on strike.

At least 10 journalists were injured when doctors of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) attacked them with rods and sticks late on Sunday.

The journalists had gathered to report on a scuffle between a patient's relative and doctors.

Journalists in Rajshahi started to demonstrate protesting the attack while intern doctors of RMCH went on a strike.

 

Meanwhile, sufferings of patients peaked on Tuesday at the RMCH, with scores of them seen waiting at the hospital for doctors.

Mostakin Billah came from Chapainawaganj's Shibganj Upazila with his brother, but was yet to find a doctor until 12 pm.

He said doctors were not available in their offices.

Bashir Ahmed, who is admitted at the hospital for few days, was scheduled to undergo a eye surgery on Monday.

But, there was no sign of a doctor until Tuesday, he says.

Patients were seen returning from the emergency department failing to get medical services.

Intern doctors claim three of their colleagues were injured during Sunday's clash.

"Journalists have to apologise unconditionally and the security for the doctors has to be beefed up," said Sheikh Sadi, the coordinator of striking doctors.

He added that the strike will continue until their demands are met.

RMCH authorities said that intern doctors did not join work on Tuesday despite orders.

Asked whether any action would be taken, RMCH's additional director ASM Barkatullah said: "The director will be able to say that."

A probe body has been formed by RMCH over the attack while journalists filed a case against 150 intern doctors over the incident.