Specialist doctors threaten strike over pending promotions
Over 50% of teacher positions in medical colleges are vacant, with 7,500 qualified candidates awaiting promotion, they say
Specialist doctors under the BCS (Health) Cadre have threatened a strike starting 8 March unless their two-point demand, including overdue promotions, is met.
The doctors cite a critical shortage of qualified professionals and a consequential decline in medical education standards as the driving forces behind their action.
"Despite fulfilling all promotion criteria and repeatedly updating files with the Directorate General of Health Services and the ministry, promotions have been delayed for years," Dr Mirza Md Asaduzzaman, convener of the BCS (Health) Cadre Specialist Doctors Forum, told The Business Standard today (3 March).
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He highlighted that over 50% of teacher positions in medical colleges are vacant, with 7,500 qualified candidates awaiting promotion.
Dr Asaduzzaman also emphasised the severe consequences of the teacher shortage, including the recent cancellation of the MBBS degree affiliation by the World Federation of Medical Education.
He criticised the Ministry of Health for prioritising infrastructure development over teacher appointments, thereby depriving medical students of quality education.
He further alleged bureaucratic indifference and delays despite repeated appeals.
The forum demands that the Ministry of Health expedite the promotion process for all eligible specialist doctors, ensuring fairness and impartiality.
They further request that those eligible for grade 3 be sequentially granted grades 2 and 1 within a specified timeframe, with all due benefits.
The doctors have planned a phased strike, starting with a two-hour work abstention (from 10am-12pm) for three consecutive days from 8 March.
If their demands are not met, they will launch an indefinite strike from 11 March, while keeping emergency services operational.
