Patients Stranded as Outdoor Services Halted at SBMCH

Doctors at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital (SBMCH) in Barishal suspended outpatient services on Wednesday morning as part of an ongoing protest over a five-point demand, leaving hundreds of patients in distress.

Ticket distribution for outpatient services began at 8 am, as usual, but was abruptly halted after 200 to 300 tickets were issued. By 10 am, doctors had left their chambers, confirming the work stoppage.

Hospital sources revealed that around 1,500 to 2,000 patients typically visit the outpatient department daily.

Dr. Murtuza Alam, a participant in the strike, explained, "The protest is nationwide. Due to a delayed directive, ticket distribution had already started. We treated those who received tickets before halting our services in accordance with central instructions. Future actions will depend on further directives."

Patients, many of whom had traveled long distances, expressed frustration. Taslima Begum, from Amanatganj in Barishal city, said, "We should have been informed earlier. We've been waiting all morning, only to be sent home without treatment."

Others voiced similar complaints, forced to return without seeing a doctor.

SBMCH Deputy Director Dr. Moniruzzaman Shahin confirmed the suspension but did not provide further details.