Committee formed to resolve health workers' demands

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has formed a committee to recommend solutions within 15 days to address long-standing demands and grievances of health workers across various levels. The decision was made at a meeting at the Secretariat on Thursday evening following a directive from Health Minister Sardar Mohammad Sakhawat Hossain.

The meeting was chaired by Health Secretary Md Kamruzzaman Chowdhury and attended by senior officials including Directorate General of Health Services Director General Professor Dr Prabhat Chandra Biswas. Representatives of health workers from various posts, including health inspectors, assistant health inspectors, health assistants, sanitary inspectors and porters, participated.

Health worker representatives highlighted their long-standing professional grievances, including lack of recognition despite technical work and training, limited promotion opportunities and stalled demands for upgrading pay grades. They noted that many already draw higher basic pay than their desired grade, meaning upgrading would not create additional financial pressure on the government. They also demanded payment of arrears to porters.

The health secretary said the government is aware of the workers' demands and they will be considered. He sought health workers' cooperation in making the upcoming emergency measles vaccination programme a success, urging them to keep their demands separate from the vaccination drive.

The committee formed at the meeting is headed by Directorate General of Health Services Additional Director General (Administration) Professor Dr Md Zahid Rayhan. Its members include Director (Administration) Professor Dr Md Jalal Uddin Mohammad Rumi, Deputy Director (Hospital) Dr Syed Abu Ahammed Shafi, and representatives from five concerned organisations.

The committee has been asked to submit its recommendations after consulting stakeholders within 15 days. Health workers who attended the meeting expressed gratitude to the health minister and concerned authorities for initiating dialogue. They pledged to give their utmost effort to ensure the success of the upcoming emergency measles vaccination programme.