Chittagong Medical College Interns Commence Indefinite Strike

Intern doctors at Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) have initiated an indefinite strike to press home a six-point agenda of demands. The industrial action commenced at 08:00 on Sunday, following two consecutive days of human-chain demonstrations. In solidarity with the strike, medical students at Chittagong Medical College also announced a boycott of all academic classes after 11:00 on the same day.

The decision to launch the strike was officially communicated via a press release issued at approximately 01:30 on Sunday, bearing the signature of Md Irfanur Rahman, the Office Secretary of the CMCH Intern Doctors’ Association. As part of their protest schedule, the striking clinicians organised a demonstration rally at the main gate of the hospital at 11:00.

Core Grievances and Policy Changes

The unrest began following the recent introduction of new regulations by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare concerning Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons (FCPS) training. The controversial directive, issued by the Health Education and Family Welfare Division on 19 May, included policies such as:

• The cessation of new postings in certain departments at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital.

• The introduction of a mandatory two-year service period at sub-district (upazila) health complexes.

• The implementation of a restricted, merit-based allowance system.

According to representatives from the Intern Doctors’ Association, whilst official assurances were given regarding the primary point of contention, no concrete or visible progress has been made by the relevant authorities regarding their remaining demands. Consequently, the association stated it had no alternative but to implement a full work stoppage until all demands are met.

The Six-Point Agenda of Demands

The striking medical professionals have outlined six distinct administrative and financial adjustments required to conclude the industrial action:

Responses and Administrative Stance

In response to the growing agitation, the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS) issued an official notification. The statement revealed that following the friction generated by the 19 May policy, bilateral talks were held between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the BCPS authorities.

Following these discussions, the government agreed to rescind the clause requiring mandatory training at the upazila level. Furthermore, the BCPS announced that private trainees who clear the FCPS Part-I examinations will now qualify for a training allowance, provided they undergo their residency at government medical colleges and institutes recognized by the BCPS.

Sakib Hossain, the President of the CMCH Intern Doctors’ Association, explained that the strike had been intentionally deferred to safeguard patient welfare. He noted that the administration had initially been given a 48-hour ultimatum, followed by a subsequent 24-hour extension. “Our backs are against the wall,” Hossain stated, “leaving us with no alternative but to enforce this strike.”