Discrimination against healthcare professionals

In the modern healthcare system, alongside doctors and nurses, medical technologists and diploma pharmacists play an essential role in ensuring accurate diagnosis and proper medication management. From the delicate scientific work of diagnosing diseases to guaranteeing the safe distribution and correct application of medicines, they bear critical responsibilities. But it is regrettable that these vital professionals have been facing professional discrimination for over 35 years. Their long-standing demand for 10th grade and class two status remains trapped in bureaucratic procrastination.

This demand is not new. It stems from a historic state decision in 1989, when the government resolved to include all diploma-holding professionals in the same grade. Following that decision, diploma engineers (1994), senior staff nurses (2011) and diploma agriculturists (2018) were granted 10th grade and class two status. Despite having equivalent qualifications, diploma pharmacists and medical technologists remain in 11th grade - a clear case of professional deprivation and discriminatory implementation of the 1989 policy.

For years, the so-called 'course duration' has been cited as a reason to deny them this status. It was claimed that those completing a three-year course were ineligible, even though engineers with the same course length received 10th grade in 1994. Moreover, their course has been upgraded to four years from 2022-23, yet the file remains stagnant. Sometimes, baseless questions arise regarding grade alignment with senior posts, despite precedents within the nursing service under the same ministry.

Momentum for this movement has grown in recent years. In late 2024, when students and professionals protested, an inter-ministerial committee was formed in early 2025. Although the Health Services Department sent a proposal for 10th grade to the Ministry of Public Administration in May, it remains stuck in the bureaucratic labyrinth of the Finance and Public Administration ministries. On December 5, 2025, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare acknowledged the demand as 'fair,' yet no notification has been issued.

When Bangladesh aspires to become a discrimination-free nation, it is shameful that key professionals in this sensitive sector are forced onto the streets. I appeal to the Honourable Chief Advisor to remove bureaucratic barriers and implement 10th grade status for medical technologists and pharmacists without further delay. This is not a special privilege, but a long-overdue and just entitlement.

Motasim Billah Munna

Pharmacist and Columnist

motasimmunna96@gmail.com