Physicians of private clinics and hospitals in Chittagong city observed strike for the third consecutive day yesterday, demanding withdrawal of the two cases filed against three doctors over alleged negligence.
The doctors have also stopped seeing patients privately at their chambers.
Following the start of the indefinite strike on Wednesday, healthcare system in the port city have collapsed as the few hospitals providing service is struggling to keep up with the increasing influx of patients.
Sources at Chittagong Medical College Hospital said the number of patients at the hospital’s emergency unit were increasing each day following the strike. A total of 620 patients were treated in the last 24 hours, a source said adding that it was around 50 more than the previous day.
While visiting some private clinics and doctors chambers in the city’s GEC intersection area, this correspondent saw a number people standing outside the chambers, waiting for a doctor. Notices stating information on the strike were also seen hung outside the chambers.
The strike was enforced for an indefinite period at all private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres in the city by physicians under the banner of Bangladesh Medical Association in Chittagong.
When contacted, BMA Chittagong Chapter President Dr Mujibul Haque Khan told the Dhaka Tribune that they will continue the strike until the cases against the doctors were withdrawn. He said the cases have been filed only to harass the doctors.
BMA will hold a press conference at Chittagong Press Club today in the evening in favour of the strike and the protesting physicians will also demonstrate in front of their respective chambers and clinics.
On January 19, Khairul Bashar – father of Meherunnesa Rima who died on January 10 for the alleged negligence of doctors after a caesarian surgery –lodged a case with Chief Metropolitan Magistrate court in Chittagong, accusing Dr Shameema Siddique and her husband Dr Mahbubul Alam for the death.
In another case lodged by one Jebal Hossen, Dr Rana Chowdhury – registrar of CMCH ward 24 – was accused of the same charge with the same court.
