Clash erupts between DU students, DMCH doctors

An altercation broke out between students from Dhaka University (DU) and intern doctors at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) on Wednesday.

The clash, which began around 5:00 PM, forced hospital authorities to suspend operations in the emergency department, citing safety concerns for medical staff.

According to reports, the incident started when a DU student visited the emergency unit for treatment. The attending doctors provided a prescription but advised the patient to purchase the medicine from a private pharmacy, as government stocks were currently unavailable. 

Witnesses said the student later returned with several classmates, sparking a heated argument over the unavailability of the prescribed drugs. 

“What kind of medicine did you prescribe? It isn’t available anywhere outside,” the students reportedly shouted and the verbal spat soon turned physical.

The situation escalated rapidly into a series of chases and counter-chases throughout the hospital premises, leaving several individuals injured. 

Medical staff claimed the students initiated the aggression, while the students alleged the doctors responded with hostility to their complaints.

Inspector Md Faruk, in charge of DMCH police outpost, confirmed that the brawl caused significant disruption to hospital activities. 

“A scuffle broke out between the doctors and DU students over a prescription issue. Additional police forces were deployed immediately to bring the situation under control,” he said.

While the area remains tense, security has been strengthened to prevent further violence. 

Meanwhile, the suspension of emergency services has left hundreds of patients in limbo.

NRE/SH