Medical services at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital (SOMCH) remained severely disrupted for the second consecutive day on Sunday as intern doctors continued their strike.

The work abstention, which began Saturday morning, was launched in protest of a physical assault on a female intern doctor, allegedly carried out by a patient's relatives on Friday night.

The strike has led to immense suffering for hundreds of patients. While the emergency department remains operational, patients reported significant delays, and the outpatient department has been nearly paralyzed.

Many people who traveled from distant areas were forced to return home without receiving necessary consultations, diagnostic tests, or primary care.

Intern doctors, represented by Mizanur Rahman, emphasized that the strike will continue until the administration provides concrete assurances regarding workplace safety and the deployment of adequate security forces.

A meeting between the protesting interns and the hospital administration is scheduled for later Sunday to address these demands.

In response to the incident, hospital authorities have formed a five-member probe committee to investigate the assault.

Brigadier General Umar Rashed Munir, the hospital director, stated that ensuring the safety of staff is the top priority and that measures are being taken to restore normalcy.

Meanwhile, the Sylhet Kotwali Police have recorded a General Diary (GD) regarding the attack, and three individuals have reportedly been detained for questioning.