Intern doctors at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital have officially withdrawn their ongoing indefinite strike following a constructive dialogue with the hospital administration. The announcement to suspend the agitation came on Thursday afternoon around 3:30 PM, paving the way for the resumption of regular medical services as the doctors prepare to return to their duties starting Friday.
The strike had commenced on Wednesday morning when the intern physicians launched a comprehensive protest pressing for a five-point charter of demands. Their key grievances included ensuring an uninterrupted supply of essential medicines and medical equipment, strengthening security measures for doctors on duty, strictly regulating the entry of patients' attendants, and promptly operationalizing the observation room and casualty department. The sudden work stoppage had severely disrupted hospital operations across various wards, causing immense suffering to patients who arrived from remote areas seeking medical attention.
To address the escalating crisis, a high-level meeting was convened at around 10:30 AM in the office of hospital director Brigadier General PKM Masudul Islam, involving representatives of the intern doctors. After nearly five hours of intense deliberations, the hospital administration assured the physicians of taking visible and effective steps to fulfill their demands. Trusting the assurance given by the authorities, the doctors agreed to call off the strike.
The decision was formally communicated through a press release signed by Rajshahi Medical Intern Doctors Society President Shahadat Mahmud and General Secretary Mushfiqur Rahman. The leaders stated that they placed their trust in the administration's promise and expected a swift implementation of the agreed-upon points, warning that they would otherwise reconsider their stance.
Meanwhile, hospital spokesperson Sheikh Shamim Ahmed confirmed that the situation was fully under control following the resolution. Although medical services faced temporary setbacks during the protest, normal functioning across all departments is expected to resume seamlessly from Friday morning. The hospital administration has also assured continuous monitoring to guarantee the safety and welfare of healthcare providers.
