DG orders dismissal of casualty in-charge following heated exchange at MMCH

A heated exchange took place between the director general of the Directorate General of Health Services and a physician during an inspection at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, prompting the DG to order the immediate dismissal of the hospital’s casualty division in-charge Dr Dhandeb Barman. The incident sparked widespread criticism after video footage went viral on social media.

During his visit to attend a seminar on Saturday morning, the DG first inspected the emergency wing and other units. He questioned service quality, staff management, patient care delivery and attendance.

At one stage, casualty in-charge Dr Dhandeb Barman expressed dissatisfaction over workforce shortages, excessive workload and the working environment, leading to a heated argument between the two sides. The DG then ordered his dismissal on the spot.

Dr Mohammad Main Uddin Khan, assistant director (administration) of the hospital, said that the heated exchange occurred during discussions over service standards, which is undesirable in any circumstance. He said the matter is under process and further remarks cannot be made at this stage.

Following the video’s circulation, doctors and the general public have been widely debating issues relating to working conditions, staff shortages and administrative behaviour.