Protesters from Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have vowed to enforce indefinite ‘Barishal Blockade’ from Tuesday to press for better health services at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital.

The announcement came on Monday after the end of the 24-hr ultimatum for the health adviser to visit the hospital amid allegations of poor condition and mismanagement.

Mohiuddin Rony, organiser of Barishal unit, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement,  unveiled the latest protest programme after blocking Dhaka-Barishal highway for four and half hours.

Earlier in the day, Director of Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital Brig Gen AKM Moshiul Munir at a press conference sought three months for the development of the health sector.

On Sunday, the students gave a 24-hour ultimatum to the health adviser to provide a clear assurance of reforms after visiting the hospital.

The protesters, under the banner of students and public, also blocked the highway for over five hours to press home their three-point demand.

Rony said they have been staging protests for over two weeks demanding an end to mismanagement, patient harassment and syndicate control in public hospitals across the country.

“On Sunday, we issued a 24-hour ultimatum, demanding that the health adviser personally visit Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital in Barishal, investigate the irregularities and provide a clear assurance on our three-point demand,” he said.

“But the deadline has passed, and the adviser did not come. That’s why we have announced a continuous blockade in Barishal to press home our demands,” he said.

The cries of the residents of Barishal have yet to reach the ministry and authorities remain indifferent, he said.

He also threatened to intensify the movement further, if corruption, negligence and harassment of patients at the hospital continue.

Vehicular movement on Dhaka-Barishal highway remained suspended from 12 pm to 4:30 pm on Monday as the students blocked the highway for 5th straight day to press home their three-point demand.

Road communication between Dhaka and six districts of the country’s southern zone remained suspended following the blockade.

The director said “Discussions have taken place with the health adviser, assistant health adviser, secretary and director general regarding the ongoing movement of student organisations. They are working on health reforms across the country, including Barishlal. They need to be given time. However, 3,000 doctors will be appointed across the country soon and 3,200 nurses will be appointed next month.”

Besides, one MRI machine, catheterisation laboratory and C-Arm machine will be provided at the hospital soon, he said.

He also sought three-month time for the development.

Zakir Hossain Shikdar, officer-in-charge of Barishal Airport Police Station, said the vehicular movement on the highway is normal now.