Mymensingh doctor relieved of duties after altercation with health DG

The Mymensingh Medical College Hospital authorities today temporarily relieved a doctor of his duties following a heated altercation with the visiting director general of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The authorities also issued a show-cause notice to Dr Dhandeb Barman, in-charge of the casualty operation theatre, asking him to reply within 24 hours, said the hospital's deputy director Zakiul Islam.

"Next action will be taken upon receiving his reply," he told our Mymensingh correspondent.

Earlier, a verbal altercation between DGHS Director General Prof Abu Jafor and Dhandeb went viral on social media.

Contacted, Dhandeb said, "You have seen the video. I have nothing further to say. I will accept whatever steps the authorities take."

Sources said the DG went to Mymensingh to attend a seminar at the medical college and, prior to the event, visited the hospital around 10:30am.

Witnesses said that while inspecting the operation theatre, the DG Abu Jafor asked the doctors why a table was kept inside the room. Dhandeb explained that it was used as writing table.

At one point, they engaged in an altercation. During the argument, the DG was heard saying, "Do you even realise who you are talking to? Mind your words!" He then instructed officials on his entourage to record videos.

"If someone behaves like this with the DG, how do they behave with patients?" he said. In response, the doctor replied, "I behave very well with patients, but my behaviour is not the same with those who hold posts."

At one stage, the DG said, "You haven't even learnt how to behave." The doctor was then heard saying, "I completed a three-day training in Dhaka. You were supposed to attend for two days, but you didn't come even once."

An exchange of heated words followed. The doctor continued, "Suspend me, no problem."

At that point, Abu Jafor asked the hospital director, Brig Gen Md Golam Ferdous, "How do you run the administration?" The director replied, "Never imagined he would behave this way. He always speaks to us in a low voice."

Some officials were seen trying to convince the doctor to apologise, and the doctor eventually said sorry. But the DG was heard saying, "He doesn't need to apologise. He is totally unfit for this place and for the hospital."

The DG then left.