Medical technologists, pharmacists announce nationwide work stoppage from 29 Nov

Medical technologists and pharmacists, two key professional groups in Bangladesh's public healthcare system, have announced a nationwide work stoppage from Saturday (29 November), demanding implementation of the 10th grade pay scale. 

The announcement comes shortly after health assistants under the Bangladesh Health Assistant Association declared their own work abstention beginning Saturday.

At a press conference held at the National Press Club today (25 November), under the banner of the 'Medical Technologist and Pharmacist 10th Grade Implementation Council', leaders outlined a phased programme of protests. 

Presenting the written statement, Md Ripon Shikdar, secretary general of the Medical Technologists Against Discrimination, said the health ministry had set the 10th grade for technologists back in 2015, but the decision has yet to be enforced. 

He pointed out that agricultural diploma holders were granted the 10th grade in 2018, while medical technologists and pharmacists continue to remain in the 11th grade, a situation he described as "extreme discrimination".

According to the announced schedule, the groups will observe work stoppages from 8am to 12pm on Saturday and Sunday. This will be followed by a wider work abstention on Monday (1 December), covering all government and private hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centres and health education institutions across the country. 

A full-day work stoppage is planned for 4 December.

Leaders warned that if their demand is not met, they will enforce an indefinite nationwide work stoppage across all healthcare facilities. 

They also urged medical technologists and pharmacists working in medical colleges, hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centres and health institutes nationwide to join the movement in the coming days.