Doctors across Bangladesh initiated an indefinite nationwide strike on Sunday, causing severe disruptions to the country’s healthcare system and leaving many patients without care.
The strike was sparked by an incident at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), the largest healthcare facility in Bangladesh. On Saturday night, the emergency department was vandalized by relatives and friends of a student protester who had been injured in recent demonstrations that led to the removal of the Hasina regime. The injured student later died, with some of his peers accusing the attending doctors of neglect.
In response to the attack and demands for justice and improved safety, doctors at DMCH suspended emergency services on Sunday morning. Negotiations with hospital authorities to resolve the situation were unsuccessful, leading to a nationwide strike.
Dr. Abdul Ahad from DMCH’s Neurosurgery Ward announced the strike on Sunday afternoon, outlining four main demands: the arrest of those responsible for the assault on doctors, the creation of a safer working environment, restrictions on unauthorized access to hospital premises, and the proper resolution of any alleged negligence by doctors through appropriate channels. The striking doctors have vowed to continue the shutdown until their demands are addressed.
The strike has left many patients without necessary medical care. Nayan Mia, who brought his injured brother to DMCH on Sunday morning, was told to seek treatment elsewhere. “If I can’t get healthcare here, where else can I go? I can’t afford treatment at private clinics,” Mia told Anadolu, highlighting the critical situation faced by many due to the strike.
The protesting doctors have stated that any deaths resulting from the lack of treatment during the strike should be blamed on the administration’s failure to address their concerns.
