Medical technologists, pharmacists stage work stoppage to push for pay upgrade

They warn of a full-day shutdown of healthcare services nationwide from Dec 4 if their demands continue to go unmet

Medical technologists and pharmacists across Bangladesh have observed a two-hour work stoppage to press for their wages to be raised to the 10th grade of the national pay scale, warning of a nationwide shutdown of health services if their demands are not met.

The strike was enforced at all hospitals from 9am to 11am on Sunday under the banner of the "Medical Technologists and Pharmacists 10th Grade Implementation Council".

The groups warned of a full-day shutdown of healthcare services from Dec 4 if their demands continue to go unmet.

“We have been demanding 10th grade salaries for 31 years, but it has yet to be implemented,” Tushar Ahmed Niloy, chief of the council’s media cell, told bdnews24.com.

He said the council had issued an ultimatum at a press conference on Nov 25, asking the government to meet the demand between Nov 26 and 29.

“But as nothing has been done, we observed a two-hour work abstention in all hospitals today.”

The council plans to escalate the protest action over the coming week.

“On Dec 3, we will observe a half-day strike from 8am to 12pm. If our demand is still ignored, we will enforce a full-day strike from Dec 4 and shut down all institutions related to healthcare and medical education,” Tushar said.