Interns at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital (SOMCH) have been observing an indefinite work abstention following an "assault" on a duty doctor.

The strike began last night around 11:30pm and is continuing as of the filing of this report at 12:00pm today.

Hospital sources said an altercation broke out between intern doctors and patients and their attendants at Ward No. 4 on the fourth floor around 11:00pm yesterday. The situation escalated, leading to a scuffle, during which a female intern doctor was attacked.

On information, police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Following the incident, the patient involved and their attendants were shifted to another hospital.

In a statement issued later that night, the intern doctors said a "shameful attack" was carried out on a duty female intern doctor of the MBBS 57th batch at the hospital.

The statement said, "An attack of this nature inside a medical institution, especially on a female doctor, is extremely disgraceful and alarming."

Strongly condemning the incident, the interns demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible. They also called for effective and permanent measures to ensure the safety of interns and junior doctors in hospitals.

The interns said they had decided to go on an indefinite work stoppage in protest until proper security was ensured.

Dr Badrul Amin, assistant director of the hospital, said discussions were ongoing with the intern doctors.

"We are discussing the overall issue with the interns. Hopefully, they will return to work soon," he said, adding that the hospital administration would file a case over the incident.

No comments could be obtained from the patient’s family, as they left the hospital after the incident.