Patients continued to suffer as the indefinite strike by interns at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital (SBMCH) in Barishal entered its third day on Tuesday.

All medical services, except the emergency ones, remained suspended causing suffering of patients and their attendants at the Bairshal division’s largest hospital.  

The interns are on the strike demanding workplace security and the arrest of those who attacked its medical staff.

The strike, which began on Sunday, follows a series of clashes at the hospital.

On Sunday, Dr Dilip Kumar, a medical officer, was injured when a group of people staging demonstrations demanding reforms in the health sector and an end to all irregularities, hurled bricks at the hospital staff during a clash.

Earlier, clashes also occurred between demonstrators and hospital staff on Thursday.

Protesting the attack and demanding security, the interns launched a nonstop strike demanding their safety.

Highway blockade in Barishal demanding health sector reform enters day 6

Dr Shakhawat Hossain Saikat, president of the hospital’s Mid-Level Doctors’ Association, said emergency services remained operational despite the strike.

“Our doctors are attending patients indoors and outdoors at the director’s request. But without security, it is not possible to continue our work safely,” he said.

Hospital Director Brig Gen Dr AKM Mashiul Munir assured that emergency services are running under police supervision.

He said discussions are going on to resolve the issue and expressed the hope that interns  would get back to work soon.