Physicians withdraw 'complete shutdown'

The physicians have withdrew their 'complete shutdown' enforced across the country.

The decision came after the doctors held a meeting with interim government's Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum on Sunday afternoon.

However, the doctors have given a 24-hour ultimatum to bring the attackers under book.

Earlier in the day, Nurjahan Begum requested doctors to withdraw their shutdown.

Meanwhile, the authorities have formed two separate probe bodies to look into the attack on doctors and vandalism, and the allegation of negligence in treatment.

Medical services at both private and public hospitals across the country, including Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), have been disrupted as doctors went on a strike protesting the attack on physicians by the relatives of a patient at the hospital’s emergency department.

Patients seeking treatment at the hospital are facing significant difficulties due to the doctors’ strike. Those already admitted, as well as new patients in need of urgent care, are particularly affected.

On Saturday, three doctors from the Neuro Surgery department at DMCH were assaulted. Following the attack, doctors issued an ultimatum, demanding the arrest of those responsible within 24 hours.

However, the doctors decided to go on strike before the deadline expired, expressing their frustration and concern for their safety.

Four people involved in the attack were detained and handed over to army personnel, said Bachu Mia, in-charge of the DMCH police outpost.

Simultaneously, a patient who had ingested poison was declared dead by physicians in the emergency department. In response, the patient’s relatives vandalized the emergency room.