Rajshahi, Feb 24, (V7N) - Intern doctors at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RAMC) have started a complete shutdown in protest of five demands, including the cessation of the use of the "doctor" title without an MBBS degree, the closure of the “nominal” MATs program, and an increase in age limits for BCS exams.

The strike began at 12:00 PM on Sunday, February 23, and will continue indefinitely. The interns held a one-hour sit-in in front of the medical college before marching to the office of the Divisional Health Director at 1:00 PM.

The protesting interns stated that their strike will continue until their demands are met. In solidarity, students from Rajshahi Medical College and mid-level doctors have announced boycotting their classes and exams.

Dr. Abdullah, President of the Intern Doctors Forum at Rajshahi Medical College, confirmed that the strike has started in all medical hospitals across the country from 12:00 PM. He added that students from the first to fifth years have also expressed solidarity and decided to boycott academic activities. The strike will continue or be suspended based on central decisions.

Dr. Shankar Kumar Biswas, Officer-in-Charge of the Emergency Department at RAMC, acknowledged the importance of intern doctors, stating that the absence of 277 interns in the hospital would create significant difficulties. However, following the Director's instructions, mid-level and senior doctors are providing ongoing services, and emergency surgeries continue as planned.

Dr. Biswas also emphasized that the intern doctors have raised valid demands, which the Director has supported, and he hopes the issue will be resolved soon.

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