Doctors of Rajshahi have announced an indefinite suspension of private practice until the full verdict of the High Court is released and their five-point demands are met.
The announcement was made at around 1:15 PM from a protest held in front of Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital (RMCH) on Tuesday.
Dr. Monowar Tariq Sabu, General Secretary of Rajshahi Medical College Teachers` Association, said that all doctors in Rajshahi have agreed not to engage in private practice until their five demands are fulfilled.
He further added that if the full High Court verdict is not issued and the demands are not addressed by Wednesday, a more intense course of action will be announced.
Earlier, doctors had shut down RMCH, including outpatient services.
In addition, at around 11:30 AM, interns of the hospital staged a human chain and protest in front of the outdoor department.
In solidarity with the protesting interns, the students of Rajshahi Medical College also announced a boycott of classes and exams.
The protesting students emphasized that all interns at Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital have declared a complete shutdown and it will continue until their demands are met.
The demands of the interns include:
No one should use the title "Doctor" before their name without an MBBS or BDS degree.
Withdrawal of the writ petition against the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC), and updating the OTC drug list according to international standards.
Resolution of the doctor shortage in the healthcare sector, closure of substandard medical colleges, and implementation of the doctor protection law.
Immediate recruitment of 10,000 doctors to fill vacant positions.
Extension of the age limit for doctors in the BCS exams to 34 years.
The students warned that if their demands are not met by the High Court`s verdict on Wednesday, they will announce a tougher course of action.
The protest was also attended by RMCH Principal Dr. Khondkar Faisal Alam, medicine specialist Dr. Azizul Haque Azad, and senior faculty members.
