Dhaka: The government today announced that it is taking necessary steps to address the longstanding demand of medical technologists and pharmacists for the implementation of the 10th grade, urging them to end their ongoing work abstention and resume their duties in the greater public interest.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, for several days, medical technologists and pharmacists in government hospitals and health centres have been observing work abstention and other programmes. This has disrupted emergency healthcare services and caused significant suffering for patients. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to service seekers, as stated in an official release.
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the health ministry have reportedly completed all necessary procedures in a positive manner and have informed the concerned parties. Additionally, the Ministry of Public Administration has adopted a supportive stance and is diligently working to resolve the issue. The government emphasized that as the demand concerns a longstanding matter, reasonable time is required to complete the process, the release added.
Representatives of the protestors were informed of the progress during discussions with senior officials, which ended on a positive note. Despite this, the technologists and pharmacists have continued their protest activities, which the ministry has described as effectively holding patients hostage-an action deemed unacceptable for professionals engaged in essential healthcare delivery.
In light of the government's ongoing efforts, the Health Ministry called on all medical technologists, pharmacists, and concerned staff to immediately return to work. The ministry also warned that legal action would be taken if essential healthcare services continue to be disrupted in the name of protests, as such activities are contrary to the public interest.