Intern doctors go on work abstention at KMCH

KHULNA, Sept 26: Intern doctors at Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH) went on a work abstention on Saturday, protesting the appointment of Dr Md Zahirul Haque as head of the Department of Medicine. The work stoppage disrupted healthcare services and caused suffering to patients, particularly those with dengue.

The protesting doctors demanded withdrawal of the appointment order, alleging that Dr Zahirul is a central leader and lifetime member of the Swadhinata Chikitsak Parishad (Swachip), which they described as an associate body of the banned Awami League. They also accused him of opposing the July uprising.

According to an office order signed by Khulna Medical College Principal Professor Dr Syed Amanul Islam on September 24, the incumbent department head, Professor Dr ABM Saiful Alam, will go on post-retirement leave (PRL) on September 30. Acting Professor Dr Zahirul Haque was directed to take over as the department head on the incumbent’s last working day.