Interns’ strike at Barishal hospital enters third day amid patient suffering

The indefinite strike by interns at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital (SBMCH) in Barishal entered its third day today, leaving patients to cope with disrupted medical services.

The interns are demanding workplace security and the arrest of those responsible for attacking hospital staff. All medical services, except emergency care, have been suspended.

Shakhawat Hossain Saikat, president of the hospital's Mid-Level Doctors' Association, said emergency services remained operational despite the strike.

"Our doctors are attending patients indoors and outdoors at the director's request. However, it is not possible to continue our work without proper security," he said.

Brig Gen AKM Mashiul Munir, director of the hospital, confirmed that discussions are ongoing to resolve the issue.

He assured that emergency services are running under police supervision and expressed hope that the interns would resume duty soon.

The strike was triggered after clashes on Thursday between demonstrators calling for reforms in the health sector and hospital staff. On Sunday, protesters hurled a brick, injuring Dilip Kumar, which prompted the interns to launch their strike in protest.