Agartala: Aug 27: The Government/General Medical Laboratory Technologists Employees Association (GMLTEA) today submitted a five-point charter of demands to the Director of Health Services, seeking changes in designation, promotion, pay benefits, adequate manpower and a structured career progression system for Medical Laboratory Technology professionals.
The association demanded that “Laboratory Technician” and “Laboratory Technician (Blood)” be redesignated as “Medical Laboratory Technologist” and “Medical Laboratory Technologist (Blood)”, respectively.
It sought priority promotion for employees who have completed 10 years or more of service and demanded a career structure providing at least three regular promotions during their service.
GMLTEA also demanded professional parity and dignity with nursing professionals, an appropriate Pay Level/Pay Scale, Dress Grant and Risk/Hazardous Duty Allowance considering the nature of laboratory work.
The association called for adequate recruitment of Laboratory Technicians/Medical Laboratory Technologists at PHCs, CHCs, Sub-Divisional Hospitals and District Hospitals to ensure 24-hour laboratory services. It also demanded the introduction of a proper shift-duty system after sufficient manpower is ensured to prevent excessive workload.
The Director of Health Services informed the delegation that he was aware of the issues related to designation changes and career progression and said the matters were under official processing.
GMLTEA urged the Health Department to take early action on its five-point charter, stating that the demands concern the professional rights and working conditions of Medical Laboratory Technology personnel and uninterrupted healthcare services.
