Jobs for Bangladesh doctors in refugee camps
By A Staff Reporter, West Bengal’s Health Minister, Dr. Zainal Abedin, told newsmen on Wednesday that he had selected 10 physicians and surgeons from among the Bangladesh refugees. These doctors would be given temporary appointment for service in the refugee camps, he added,
They would be paid a daily allowance of Rs. 16 for an MBBS and Rs. 10 for an LMF, he said, adding that over 140 such doctors were in search of employment.
Dr. Abedin expressed great concern at the rising number of deaths from cholera and gastro-enteritis in refugee camps. The death-toll, he said, had already crossed the 125-mark. He was aware, he added, of some camps suffering from a shortage of doctors.
Dr. Adedin also stated that he intended introducing round the clock attendance at the emergency wards of Government hospitals in Calcutta. At present, these wards are served by two shifts each day.
The Minister told newsmen on Wednesday that the move had been considered necessary following the death of the Forward Bloc Leader, Mr. Ajit Biswas, from assassins bullets.
Dr. Abedin would not, however, admit that the usual medical attention was denied to Mr. Biswas at the Medical College hospital on Tuesday night.
Reference: Hindustan Standard, 21.05.1971