Dhaka, Nov 14 (V7N) - A group of medical technology and pharmacy students staged a sit-in outside the National Press Club in Dhaka on Thursday, presenting six key demands, including the establishment of an independent directorate dedicated to their field. The protesters emphasized that prioritizing healthcare personnel's rights is essential to developing a more people-oriented healthcare system.

They argued that a comprehensive management structure is necessary to ensure job security and rights for all healthcare workers, from doctors and nurses to technologists and other health professionals.

The students outlined their six demands as follows:

  1. Creation of an Independent Directorate for medical technology and pharmacy services.

  2. Recognition for Diploma Holders at the 10th grade (second-class gazette) level, with proportional job creation following World Health Organization (WHO) standards, along with prioritizing the revival of the 2013 recruitment process.

  3. Career Advancement for Graduates by establishing 9th-grade positions for medical technologists and pharmacists, proportional promotions, and their inclusion in standard employment rules, recruitment frameworks, and the Health Protection Act.

  4. University Status for Dhaka IHT, transforming it into "Bangladesh University of Medical Science and Technology," while amending recruitment rules and grades, and developing a distinct career path for teaching professionals in all Institutes of Health Technology (IHTs).

  5. Formation of a Medical Technology Council for professional licensing, establishment of a diploma medical education board, and the introduction of a private sector service policy.

  6. Expansion of Educational Opportunities with BSc and MSc programs for all relevant faculties, including B Pharm, alongside providing scholarships and training allowances.

The group warned that if their demands are not met within three working days, they would escalate their protest with further actions beginning on Monday.

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