North Kordofan doctors under arrest for strike

The strike of doctors in El Obeid Hospital in North Kordofan entered its fourth day yesterday, in protest against an attack by militia members on two doctors on duty. University students have also continued their strike.

Dr. Husameldin El Turabi, one of the doctors who were summoned by the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) on Wednesday has been released. The NISS has held the other medical specialists of El Obeid Hospital, including Dr. Nasir Shagga Nasir, Dr. Mohamed Suleiman Jabir and Dr. Mohamed El Jazouli.

Dr. Ammar Fathelalim is still under arrest.

Participants in the strike have conditioned lifting their protest with holding the Rapid Support Forces militia member accountable and taking legal action against the aggressor. In addition the doctors have demaned the establishment of an emergency section in El Obeid Hospital and enacting deterrent penalties against such attacks.

A medical source told Radio Dabanga that meanwhile, patients have greatly suffered from the strike. “Many of the critical cases have resorted to outpatient clinics.” The source added that on Thursday, a fight broke out between the striking doctors and doctors who tried to work in the hospital.

Doctors’ committee

The Central Doctors’ Committee said in a statement that the security authority have treated the doctors immorally. “We reject the threats by the state health ministry to stop the doctors from working, and declare our categorical refusal to negotiate under the arrest of our colleagues.”

The statement added that most of the members of the doctors’ committee have been arrested. “[This happened without the authorities’] meeting our demands for the arrest and accountability of the RSF member. Neither have they decided to provide a safe working environment for the doctors and patients in the hospital.

Students strike

On Thursday, the University of El Gedaref announced the suspension of studies at the Faculty of Medical Laboratories for an indefinite period, against the backdrop of a sit-in held by students.

Students in medics and nursing announced they will hold an open-ended strike to protest the arrests of fellow students. They claim that students were subjected to beating.

In a statement the students expressed they will lifting the strike on the conditions that their demands for more university buildings and laboratories are granted, and that students can enjoy full protection.

On Tuesday, the security apparatus arrested at least ten students before releasing them late at night.