Mongla, Dec 03 (V7N) - Medical technologists and pharmacists at Mongla Upazila Health Complex halted services for four hours on Wednesday as part of their ongoing movement demanding the implementation of the 10th grade pay scale. The work stoppage began at 8 a.m. and continued until noon, leaving patients facing significant disruption in essential services.

Staff from the pharmacy, X-ray, pathology, dental, sanitary and EPI departments joined the protest, suspending all regular duties to press their long-standing demand. Earlier, on November 30, they had observed a similar two-hour work stoppage from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The protesters announced that they would begin a continuous “complete shutdown” program starting Thursday if their demand is not met.

Sanitary Inspector Basudev Kumar Biswas, Medical Technologist (Lab) Md Tanvir Islam, Dental Technologist Didarul Alam Talukder, and pharmacists Sheikh Farhaduzzaman and Tariqul Islam were among those who took part in the demonstration.

Speaking during the protest, Medical Technologist (Lab) Md Tanvir Islam said the group has been peacefully demanding the 10th grade pay scale for 31 years, but despite repeated assurances from previous administrations, the demand has not been implemented. As a result, he said, medical technologists and pharmacists continue to face severe discrimination in the health sector.

He added that their work plays a critical role in patient care, and the work stoppage has caused suffering for many patients — something the protesters regret. However, he expressed hope that the current government would address the issue promptly, allowing them to return to work and continue providing essential medical services.

Protest leaders reiterated that unless the demand is met, the announced indefinite shutdown would commence on Thursday, potentially affecting all diagnostic and pharmacy-related services at the health complex.

END/AHS/SMA/