Intern Doctors Announce Indefinite 'Complete Shutdown' at Chittagong Medical College Hospital

Intern Doctors Announce Indefinite 'Complete Shutdown' at Chittagong Medical College Hospital

Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) intern doctors have declared an indefinite 'Complete Shutdown' to press for their five-point demands. This protest began on Sunday, February 23, 2025, following a call from the Intern Doctors' Council. As part of their demonstration, the interns also held a human chain within the college premises.

The Five-Point Demands

The striking intern doctors have outlined the following key demands:

1. Only MBBS/BDS graduates should be allowed to use the title ‘Doctor,’ and no individual without a valid Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) registration should be permitted to provide medical treatment.
2. The Over-the-Counter (OTC) drug list should be updated to align with proper medical practices, ensuring that only MBBS/BDS professionals can prescribe non-OTC drugs.
3. The government should invest appropriately in the health sector, ensuring the recruitment of 50,000 doctors to fill vacant positions and expediting the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) process for medical professionals.
4. All unauthorized Medical Assistant Training Schools (MATS) and unregulated medical colleges should be shut down. Additionally, MATS graduates should be recognized only as ‘Medical Assistants’ rather than full-fledged medical practitioners.
5. 
   

Impact on Healthcare Services

With intern doctors withdrawing from all medical services, patient care at CMCH has been significantly disrupted. Many patients and their families have expressed concerns over the lack of medical attention. Hospital authorities are working to mitigate the crisis by reallocating senior doctors and nurses to critical units, but the absence of interns continues to strain the facility’s operations.

Broader Medical Education Controversy

In a related development, Chittagong Medical College has expelled 75 students due to allegations of academic misconduct. This decision has further fueled discussions on medical education reform in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, medical professionals nationwide are rallying in support of the CMCH interns, emphasizing the need for structured reforms in the medical education and healthcare system.

Government’s Response

The Ministry of Health has acknowledged the grievances raised by the intern doctors and has promised to review their demands. However, no formal decision has been announced yet. The interns have vowed to continue their strike until all their demands are met.

International Perspective on Medical Regulations

Globally, medical regulatory bodies maintain strict oversight to ensure that only qualified professionals practice medicine. Countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada implement rigorous licensing exams and professional oversight to uphold medical standards. The demands of the CMCH intern doctors resonate with global efforts to maintain high medical standards and patient safety.

Conclusion

The ongoing strike at Chittagong Medical College Hospital has highlighted critical issues in Bangladesh’s healthcare and medical education system. As authorities work to find a resolution, the country watches closely to see if these protests will bring about meaningful reforms. Until then, patients continue to face difficulties, and the medical community remains in a state of unrest.