Sit-in for better healthcare

Organised by the Rajshahi Protection Movement Council (RPMC), a citizens' body,the demonstration began at around 10.30am when people brought out a large procession and gathered at the hospital premises.

They staged a sit-in in front of the hospital director's office and held a rally on the hospital premises with RPMC conveynor Zamat Khan in the chair.

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The rally was addressed by, among others, Rajshahi Bar General Secretary Muhammad Yahia, Advocate Fedaus Zaman, journalist Hasan Millat, engineer Tajul Islam, Rajshahi University teachers prof Chowdhury Sarwar Zahana and Prof Sabbir Sattar.

During the demonstration, a team led by RPMC Conveynor Zamat Khan gave a memorandum to the Prime Minister through RMCH director Brigadier Abul Kalam Azad to meet their 19-point demand and problems of the hospital.

Copies of the memorandum were also given for the health minister, health secretary, Rajshahi divisional director of health and the civil surgeon.

The RPMC threatened to go for tougher agitation if the demands are not met immediately.

The 19-point demand includes immediate restoration of the generator, X-ray machine, cancer detecting machine, eco-machine, Engeogram machine and stopping private practice by government doctors.

The memorandum said that lone generator of the hospital was inoperative for years for lack of fuel. Many other medical instruments including the Tk 5.50 crore Engeogram machine is also inoperative.

It was also alleged in the memorandum that most of the doctors of the hospital are engaged in private practice during office hours.

The RPMC also demanded expansion of the hospital building to accommodate increasing number of patients, filling up of vacant posts.