Tech Talk: MTF Touts 24-Hour Tests in Public Hospitals

The Medical Technologist Forum (MTF) has called for round-the-clock diagnostic services at all government hospitals to ensure the proper utilization of state resources, effective management, timely diagnosis, and quality treatment for patients.

The demand was raised at a seminar titled “July Aspirations and Health Sector Reform” held on Friday at the Government Institute of Health Technology (IHT) auditorium in Mohakhali, Dhaka.

Presided over by MTF Central President Md. Sohel Rana, the event was attended by Professor Dr. Nazrul Islam, Central President of the National Doctors Forum (NDF), as the chief guest, while Dhaka-17 constituency candidate Dr. S. M. Khaliduzzaman was present as the keynote speaker.

Other attendees included social activist Mizanur Rahman Khan, July movement veteran Rezaul Karim Shakil, Dr. Shafiqul Islam Jewel, Senior Vice President of the National Anti-Discrimination Medical Technologists and Pharmacists Council Miah Md. Golam Mawla, and MTF General Secretary Ripon Sikder. The keynote paper was presented by MTF Office Secretary Rafiqul Islam, and the seminar was conducted by Md. Sohel Hawlader.

In his speech, chief guest Professor Dr. Nazrul Islam said, “Medical technologists, pathologists, and technicians play a vital role in accurate diagnosis through the proper use of medical equipment. If the government creates posts and ensures regular recruitment, more students will be encouraged to pursue medical technology education.”

Keynote speaker Dr. S. M. Khaliduzzaman remarked, “Alongside doctors and nurses, medical technologists are key contributors to the healthcare sector. Yet, in many cancer hospitals, we have seen that despite having doctors and nurses, 7 or 8 out of 10 machines remain unused due to the shortage of technologists. I believe that only 50 percent of the required number of medical technologists have been appointed across the country. As a result, ordinary citizens are being deprived of healthcare services. The health department must be held accountable. If teamwork among medical professionals is ensured following WHO guidelines, service recipients will receive timely care.”

Speakers further noted that although government hospitals provide services in three shifts, outpatient departments operate in only one, causing patients to lose valuable time and working hours. The remaining two shifts leave buildings and diagnostic equipment unused, putting reagents at risk of expiry. Due to the absence of evening and night-shift testing, patients are often forced to rely on private diagnostic centers.

They added that introducing diagnostic services in all three shifts would maximize the use of hospital facilities and allow patients to undergo tests at their convenience. “This would facilitate early diagnosis and reduce both treatment costs and health risks,” they said.

Speakers also pointed out that a shortage of manpower in public hospitals prevents proper quality control in testing, resulting in inconsistent lab reports. “Extending diagnostic service hours could both reduce costs and boost revenue, as diagnostics can be one of the key sources of income,” they observed. However, skilled professionals are being lost to the private sector due to a lack of opportunities in government institutions.

According to the speakers, introducing three-shift testing would enhance the efficiency and quality of public healthcare, increase revenue, and reduce the need for subsidies. They urged the immediate creation and recruitment of posts for pathologists, diploma and BSc medical technologists, and other healthcare support staff. They also called for the establishment of a Medical Technology Council, job registration system, and a directorate to ensure proper supervision and quality control in the sector.

Additionally, the seminar discussed the demand for 10th-grade pay scale recognition and the release of detained medical technologists and pharmacists. Forum President Md. Sohel Rana stated, “Without the recruitment of medical technologists—the frontline fighters of the health sector—no real progress can be made in national healthcare.” He further assured, “In sha Allah, during the tenure of this interim government, medical technologists will achieve their rightful 10th-grade status through the Medical Technologist Forum (MTF).”