Doctors in Bangladesh initiated an indefinite nationwide strike on Sunday, causing significant disruptions throughout the healthcare system and putting patients’ lives in danger.
The strike began following vandalism at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Bangladesh’s largest medical facility, by the friends and relatives of a student protester who died after being injured in demonstrations that led to the fall of the Hasina regime. The deceased’s peers claimed the doctors neglected him.
As a reaction, DMCH doctors halted emergency services on Sunday morning, demanding justice and improved safety measures. Despite hospital officials’ negotiation attempts, the doctors’ refusal led to a broader protest action.
Dr. Abdul Ahad from DMCH’s Neurosurgery Ward declared the strike Sunday afternoon, demanding the arrest of the attackers, enhanced hospital security, controlled access to facilities, and a proper channel for addressing medical negligence claims.
The doctors have pledged to continue their protest until these conditions are met.
The striking doctors argue that any fatalities resulting from the service disruption should be seen as a consequence of the administration’s inaction in resolving the doctors’ grievances.
