The government will set the minimum wage scales for physicians and nurses working in the private hospitals, said Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Prof Dr Md Sayedur Rahman, reports UNB.
He came up with the disclosure while speaking at a press conference at the Ministry of Health in the capital on Thursday.
"Physicians working in private medical institutions have demanded a pay scale. However, implementing a uniform pay scale is challenging due to the lack of a standard structure. The salary scale for physicians will vary across Dhaka, other major cities, district towns, upazila towns, and different medical service institutions," he said.
Sayedur Rahman said they will place proposals regarding the minimum salary structure of physicians and nurses, who are working in the private healthcare organisations, after holding meetings with stakeholders, including owners of the firms.
He hoped that they would be able to announce the pay scale within a few days.
He also said a proposal has been given to increase the age limit for doctors appearing in the BCS examination from 32 to 34 years.
The government has decided to recruit 2,000 doctors through a special Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination to address the shortage of medical professionals.
About the recent protests by doctors over salaries and benefits, Prof Sayedur said, "Doctors had been deprived for a long time under the previous government. The interim government is sincerely addressing their demands and will take necessary measures soon."
He said following government assurances, most doctors have withdrawn from their strike, though some hospital interns and students continue to boycott classes and work.
The health ministry has urged them to return to work, he added.
He also said to ensure the safety of both doctors and patients, the Health Protection Act will be placed before the advisory council within the next two to three weeks.
The legal process for the act is expected to be completed within a week, he added.
