Rajshahi citizens demand better testing, healthcare

At least a hundred locals joined a demonstration in Rajshahi city yesterday, demanding increase in testing facilities and proper care for Covid-19 patients at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.

Wearing masks and standing distanced from each other, the demonstrators formed a large human chain at the city's Shaheb Bazar Zero point for one hour, starting at 10am. They also held a rally under the banner of Rajshahi Rakkha Sangram Parishad, a citizens' forum.

Speakers at the rally said people of the city and those who are coming to RMCH from distant districts are not receiving proper medical service.

They said, common people who are falling sick are not being able to get tested due to inadequate facilities while many doctors are refraining from their practice due to fear of the virus spreading.

They also blamed local authorities for their failure to keep the spread of coronavirus in check at the city. The forum said the authorities were negligent in establishing health rules and they allowed people to enter the city from other affected districts.

They said, there was no spread of the virus till May, but now there is an alarming spread.

They said RMCH's corona unit, which has been set up at the rented Rajshahi Christian Mission Hospital, is not providing satisfactory service.

The speakers also demanded reopening Rajshahi Sadar Hospital, which has remained suspended for a long period.

They said doctors have not been sincere in providing their service.

They also said a section of people became angry at the Parishad leaders for raising their voice for the people and accused them of spreading propaganda. However, the Parishad warned of tougher movement if their demands are not met immediately.

The forum's president Liakat Ali chaired the rally while forum secretary Jamat Khan, lawyers Hamidul Haque and Entajul Haque Babu, politician Debashish Pramanik Debu, freedom fighter Abul Kalam Azad, businessman Harunur Rashid, leaders Selina Begum and Anjana Sarker addressed the rally.