Ministry orders medical technologists, pharmacists to resume work

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has instructed medical technologists and pharmacists to immediately return to work withdrawing their ongoing strikes.

The directive was issued through a notice signed by the ministry's Deputy Chief Information Officer Mohammad Mahmudul Hasan on Friday, December 5.

According to the notice, the work stoppage by medical technologists and pharmacists over the past few days, demanding the implementation of the 10th grade, has severely disrupted essential healthcare services in government hospitals. Patients, as a result, are suffering immensely. Expressing regret over the situation, the ministry said that such disruption of healthcare services is unacceptable.

The ministry stated that the government is actively working to resolve the long-standing demand for the 10th grade. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Public Administration have all taken positive steps and are proceeding with the necessary processes. Progress in this regard has also been communicated to representatives of the demonstrators.

Despite the positive developments, continuing the movement by “holding patients hostage” is unfortunate and inconsistent with the values of the healthcare profession, the notice said.

The ministry, in this situation, urged all medical technologists and pharmacists to end the work stoppage and resume duties immediately. It further warned that legal action would be taken against anyone involved in activities that hinder essential public services.

SUJ/MHK