Shawdesh Desk:

Physicians in Khulna district have halted services at all government and private hospitals, except for emergency care, protesting the attack on a fellow doctor. The work abstention, on its second day on Thursday, has been causing immense suffering to the patients.

Protesting doctors said that they would not be joining work until those involved in the attack on Sheikh Nishat Abdullah, head of Burn and Plastic Surgery Department of Shaheed Sheikh Abu Naser Specialised Hospital, were arrested.

The leaders of Bangladesh Medical Association, Khulna on Wednesday night announced to continue the work abstention programme until the arrest of the attackers.

They will also stage demonstrations in front of Sheikh Abu Naser Specialised Hospital.

Patients who came from different parts of the district failed to get medical services due to the work abstention.

Mehedi Hasan, who came from Rupsha upazila, said, ‘I came to Khulna Medical College and Hospital in the morning but after reaching here, I came to know that the physicians are on strike. Now I have to go back.’

Mujibur Rahman, another patient at the hospital said, ‘I have been here since morning with back pain. I thought I would be able to visit the doctor but no tickets are available there.’

On February 25, Sheikh Nishat Abdullah, head of Burn and Plastic Surgery Department of Shaheed Sheikh Abu Naser Specialised Hospital, was physically assaulted, allegedly by a patient’s relatives including assistant sub-inspector Naim posted in Satkhira district police, at a nursing home in Sheikhpara of Khulna city during surgery.

Protesting at the attack, Bangladesh Medical Association, Khulna decided to observe 24-hour work abstention from Wednesday morning to Thursday morning.

Sheikh Baharul Alam, president of BMA Khulna unit, announced the work abstention programme while speaking at a press briefing at Kazi Azharul Haque Auditorium on Tuesday.

While reading out the statement, Baharul also demanded the arrest of the attackers.