Dhaka, Feb 10 (V7N) – The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has urged Medical Assistant Training School (MATS) students to focus on their studies while discussions continue to find an acceptable solution to their demands.
The ministry assured that efforts are being made to address the concerns in consideration of the country’s overall healthcare system.
In a statement on Monday, Mohammad Shahadat Hossain, senior information officer of the ministry, called on the protesting students to remain patient to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services and help the interim government fulfil its responsibilities.
A meeting was held on Sunday between representatives of the General MATS Students’ Unity Council, the health secretary, and the directors general of relevant departments. After discussions, both sides reached agreements on some issues.
The ministry has identified reasonable and feasible demands that can be addressed in the short term.
Regarding the students' primary demand — filling of vacancies — the Department of Family Planning and the Directorate General of Health Services have already initiated the process of publishing a recruitment notice, with visible progress expected within 72 hours.
On the demand to upgrade the post of Deputy Assistant Community Medical Officer to Grade 10, the relevant department has already forwarded the matter to the Ministry of Public Administration for review.
The other two demands — renaming the institution and course, and providing higher education opportunities — require more time, as they involve multiple authorities beyond the health ministry.
However, both parties discussed these issues in detail and agreed on the next steps.
The ministry added that both sides signed a “Notes of Discussion” document outlining their agreements and future course of action.
END/MSS/AJ
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