The Postgraduate Private Trainee Doctors Association has started an indefinite strike, demanding a minimum allowance of Tk50,000 and regular payment of that allowance. They have stated that their strike and protest will continue until the demand is met through the issuance of official notification.
The organization initiated their program at 12:15pm on Saturday, paying tribute to the language martyrs by placing floral wreaths at Shaheed Minar. This program is simultaneously being conducted across government hospitals nationwide.
Pesident of the association Dr Jabir Hossain said: "Trainee doctors in our country receive the lowest allowance in Asia. In India, the allowance is 1,50,000 Rupees; in Pakistan, it is approximately 75,000 Pakistani Rupees; and even in countries like Singapore, renowned for their exemplary medical services, trainee doctors receive an allowance of about Tk2,50,000. However, in our country, it is merely Tk20,000."
He also added trainee doctors across Bangladesh have united in their demand for an increase in their allowance to Tk50,000, aiming to maintain a fair standard of living amidst the rising prices of commodities. Despite aspiring to provide world-class medical services, doctors are currently receiving a minimal allowance.
Speaking on behalf of the trainee doctors, he further added: "Over the past six months, we have reached out to our gurdians, including the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS), Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA), Swadhinta Chikitsak Parishad (Swachip), and various other medical organizations. We have received moral support from everyone, but we have yet to witness promising steps taken to fulfil our demands."
“After tirelessly campaigning for six long months, trainee doctors from all corners of Bangladesh initiated a strike on Saturday. This strike will persist until a specific notification is issued to meet our demands. Further programs and actions will be announced on a daily basis,” he also added.
He said: "It is very difficult to run a hospital with only expert doctors. This will increase the suffering of common people and service seekers. We do not wish for such circumstances. Our intention is to assert our rights and deliver prompt service to patients.”
The agitators said that there are about 10,000 trainee doctors in government hospitals across Bangladesh. All joined this movement simultaneously.