Interns beaten up after patient’s death at DMCH, services suspended

Relatives of a patient named Nazma Begum allegedly beat up intern doctors following her death at the Medicine Department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. In protest, intern doctors have suspended medical services at the hospital’s emergency department and several wards.

The incident occurred around 1:20am on Thursday (January 21). Following the incident, members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police were deployed at the hospital. Tension is currently prevailing on the hospital premises.

Intern doctor Shihab said that after the patient’s death, her relatives beat up Dr Touhid, Dr Rahat, Dr Bappi, and Dr Naim. The injured doctors are currently receiving treatment at the hospital’s emergency department. He added that members of the army, police, and RAB were later deployed at the hospital.

He further said that the hospital gates have been locked and medical services suspended. The gates will remain closed until the hospital director arrives.

Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of the hospital police camp, said an altercation took place between doctors and the patient’s relatives following the death. He said that two people were detained and handed over to Shahbagh Police Station. To maintain order, RAB and police personnel have been deployed at the hospital. He added that intern doctors have locked the hospital gates.

Attempts were made several times to contact Brigadier General Md Asaduzzaman, director of the hospital, for comment, but he did not respond.