Doctors in Ctg protest attack on DMCH physician, demand safe work environment

Doctors in Chattogram today (22 August) formed a human chain demanding a safe working environment, swift justice for attacks on medical professionals and an effective national policy to ensure the security of doctors and healthcare workers.

The demonstration was held on the Chattogram Medical College (CMC) campus in response to the assault on Professor Md Asadur Rahman, head of the ENT department at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), as well as growing incidents of attacks and harassment of doctors across the country.

More than 50 doctors working in Chattogram under the BCS (Health) Doctors Forum, along with doctors from Chattogram Medical College Hospital, took part in the human chain.

At the event, the doctors put forward three demands: swift and exemplary punishment for those involved in attacks and harassment of doctors; the formulation of an effective national policy to ensure the safety of doctors and healthcare workers; and safe workplaces for doctors across the country.

Professor Dr Md Anisul Hossain, vice-principal of Chattogram Medical College, said patients expect doctors to provide compassionate care, but their own rights and safety must also be protected.

“If doctors’ rights and safety are not ensured, we must also consider how they can provide humane care to patients,” he said.

He added, “If Bangladesh’s health sector is to be brought up to a certain standard, doctors must be given due respect. Their safety must be ensured. A large proportion of the country’s brightest students have become doctors. They must be given the respect and dignity they deserve.”

Professor Dr Jasimuddin, principal of Chattogram Medical College, said the relationship between doctors and patients was mutually dependent. 

He said attacks and harassment of doctors following allegations made against them cannot be accepted in a civilised society.

He called for those responsible for the attacks to be brought to justice swiftly and given exemplary punishment.

Jasimuddin also called for a patient protection law alongside legislation to protect doctors.

“Ensuring the rights and safety of both doctors and patients will help improve the healthcare environment,” he added.

Speaking at the protest, doctors also said a large proportion of the country’s brightest students enter the medical profession. 

However, they said their knowledge and skills cannot be utilised to their full potential without a safe working environment.

They added that insecurity among doctors ultimately affects the quality of healthcare provided to patients.