Neuroscience hospital doctors observe work stoppage after attack by 'staffers'

Physicians at the National Institute of Neurosciences (NINS) and Hospital in Dhaka observed a three-hour work stoppage today, protesting an alleged attack on doctors and demanding the resignation of two senior officials, including the director.

The work abstention, which began around 11:45am and continued until 3:00pm, caused significant suffering to the patients as outdoor services and the ticket counter were closed, according to doctors and staff at NINS.

However, emergency services and the hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) remained operational during this time.

Doctors alleged that at least 10 people, including three physicians, were injured in an attack by third- and fourth-class employees and outsourced staff at NINS.

Following the attack, protesting doctors announced a work stoppage from around 12:00pm, demanding the resignation of founding Director Prof Quazi Deen Mohammad and Joint Director Prof Md Badrul Alam.

Doctors at NINS said Prof Gurudas Mondal, a leader of Swadhinata Chikitsak Parishad (Swachip), was transferred from NINS to Pabna Medical College Hospital four months ago. His recent reinstatement at NINS sparked anger among the doctors.

"This morning, doctors gathered in Room 402 of the hospital to protest the reinstatement and demand the cancellation of Prof Mondal's transfer. At that point, third- and fourth-class employees and outsourced workers allegedly surrounded and attacked us," said Md Mahfuzur Rahman, assistant professor at NINS.

"We observed a work stoppage today and will go on work abstention for an indefinite period from tomorrow. It is absolutely unacceptable that hospital staffers have raised their hands on doctors," he added, alleging that the attackers are loyal to the hospital's director.

The Daily Star contacted Prof Deen Mohammad but was unable to reach him despite multiple attempts to verify the allegations.

Doctors at NINS said they would not return to work until the director, who they claim is backed by Sheikh Hasina, resigns. They have also called for a continuation of the work stoppage tomorrow.

When asked about the doctors' work abstention, Joint Director Md Badrul Alam told The Daily Star, "A misunderstanding arose over the transfer of a doctor. There was a brief argument between the two sides."

He claimed there was no work stoppage by the doctors and that the issue had been resolved.

Seeking anonymity, a doctor who observed the work stoppage told The Daily Star, "We demand the resignation of the director and joint director, who benefited during the previous Awami League government. Moreover, doctors who were transferred during the past government are now being reinstated at NINS. This will not happen."