Mitford hospital employees observe work abstention

Class III and class IV staff at the capital's Mitford Hospital yesterday observed work abstention from 11:00am to 1:00pm demanding that the number of quarters and sick beds for the staff be increased, and 40 percent of the recruitment in this category be made from the staff wards.

Hospital sources said the staff, including ward boys, sweepers and office assistants, have been demonstrating on the hospital premises since June 6, halting ticket sale at outdoor and emergency, and causing immense sufferings to the patients. The demonstrators said they have only 70 houses and two beds for a staff of 790. Brig Gen Zakir Hassan, director of the hospital, said they are discussing the matter.