Intern doctors at Rajshahi Medical observe 24-hour strike over safety concerns

Intern doctors at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital have begun a 24-hour work abstention, demanding a safe working environment and action against those responsible for recent attacks on medical staff.

The strike started at 9am today (21 April). As part of the programme, intern doctors also formed a human chain in front of the hospital’s emergency department.

During the demonstration, they alleged that two male intern doctors were harassed by a mob in Ward No 13 on Sunday night (19 April). They further said a female intern doctor was similarly harassed in Ward No 36 yesterday evening (20 April).

Protesting these incidents, the interns said they would continue the work abstention for 24 hours, calling for a secure working environment and legal action against those involved.

Tanvir Ahmed Toukir, president of the Intern Doctors’ Society, said Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, as a major healthcare facility in northern Bangladesh, regularly handles critical patients, with intern doctors providing initial treatment.

He said the hospital faces shortages of manpower, medicines and supplies, which often delays service delivery. In some cases, even basic items such as normal saline are not readily available, requiring patients’ relatives to procure them from outside.

He added that intern doctors typically work 12 to 14 hours a day to manage patient loads beyond the hospital’s capacity.

Despite this, they continue to face attacks while performing their duties, he said.

The interns warned that if their demands are not met, they will announce stricter programmes in the coming days.

They called for exemplary punishment for those responsible and measures to ensure a safe working environment.