Published on 12:00 AM, February 14, 2016

Sylhet ambulence workers go on dawn to dusk strike

Threaten an indefinite one if not allowed to park on Osmani Medical College Hospital premises

A family rushes a loved one to MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital on foot, due to a dawn-to-dusk strike enforced by Microbus Workers Union in Sylhet division yesterday. Photos: Banglar Chokh

Ambulence workers in Sylhet yesterday threatened to enforce an indefinite strike if MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital does not withdraw its ban on parking vehicles, including ambulances, on its premises.

The medical college authorities enforced the ban on Friday morning for helping easier movements of patients-carrying vehicles near the emergency unit of the hospital.

Following the decision Microbus Workers Union enforced a dawn-to-dusk strike in Sylhet division yesterday. It triggered immense sufferings to patients as no long-route ambulances were seen in the area.

The workers also hindered the movement of CNG-run auto-rickshaws in the hospital area adding to the sufferings of the patients.

Romij Uddin Chowdhury of Chittagong said he was not being able to take his mother home after her release from the hospital yesterday as there was no ambulance available.

While Another stares blankly not knowing how they will transport a body for burial since no long-route ambulances were available and the workers also hindered the movements of CNG-run auto-rickshaws in the hospital area. Photos: Banglar Chokh

Contacted, Rahmat Ullah, additional deputy Commissioner (media) of Sylhet Metropolitan Police, said police have been deployed in the area to avert any untoward incident.

“We have talked to the college authorities several times but they did not pay heed to our demand,” said Akmal Hosain Luku, president of Microbus Workers Union of the medical college-unit.

Brig Abdus Sabur, director of the hospital, said the higher authorities were informed about the matter, and a decision will be taken as per their directives.