PM orders suspension of doctor over smoking inside hospital room

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ordered the immediate suspension of a doctor at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute in Agargaon of Dhaka after finding him smoking inside his room during a surprise visit on Saturday (October 17).

During the visit around noon, the prime minister inspected various departments of the hospital, reviewed the working environment of doctors and healthcare workers, and assessed the overall cleanliness of the facility.

At one point, he entered the room of Associate Professor Md Rafiqul Islam and found him smoking. The room was also found to be untidy, prompting the prime minister to express strong dissatisfaction with the doctor’s conduct.

Following the incident, Tarique instructed Professor Dr AKM Azizul Haque, chairman of the hospital’s Board of Directors, to take action against the doctor. Rafiqul Islam was subsequently placed under temporary suspension, according to reports citing the prime minister’s office.

During the inspection, the prime minister also stressed the need to maintain a hygienic environment, ensure cleanliness and uphold professional responsibility among doctors and other hospital staff.

-MT