March for Justice: Protests by Bangladesh Medical Students for Title Reforms
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Synopsis
On February 25, medical students in Bangladesh launched a protest named 'March for Justice' to address the unauthorized use of the title 'Doctor' by medical assistants. Their demands include restricting the title, halting registrations for medical assistants, and closing certain training schools.
Key Takeaways
- Medical students initiated a 'March for Justice' protest.
- Claiming unlawful use of the title 'Doctor' by medical assistants.
- Demands include limiting the title exclusively to MBBS and BDS holders.
- Nationwide academic shutdown called by medical students.
- Calls for improved safety and security amid rising protests.
Dhaka, Feb 25 (NationPress) On Tuesday, medical students in Bangladesh initiated a “March for Justice” campaign. This protest was ignited by a prolonged issue regarding the use of the title 'Doctor' by medical assistants, as reported by local media.
The protesters asserted that medical assistants have been improperly claiming this title. A major demand is to restrict the use of the title 'Doctor' solely to holders of MBBS and BDS degrees.
A court in Bangladesh is scheduled to deliver a ruling on Monday regarding a writ petition from 2013 filed by medical assistants seeking legal recognition for the title. However, the protesters are urging a prompt resolution to avert misuse of this designation.
As they marched toward the court to express their demands, police obstructed the procession of intern doctors and medical students at the High Court entrance, according to the leading newspaper, The Daily Star.
Medical students across the nation have called for a complete academic halt since the previous day, emphasizing their five primary demands.
In an interview with The Dhaka Tribune, Jabir Hossain, President of the Doctors' Movement for Justice, stated, “Students from all medical colleges have boycotted all classes and examinations today (Monday). Additionally, intern doctors have ceased providing services in various hospital wards as part of the academic shutdown.”
The key demands outlined by the protesting intern doctors and medical students include granting Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council registration exclusively to MBBS and BDS degree holders, halting registration for medical assistants (MATS graduates), closing all medical assistant training schools (MATS), and addressing substandard public and private medical colleges.
They also seek to revoke the title of “Sub-Assistant Community Medical Officers” for MATS graduates, instead categorizing them as “Medical Assistants.”
This week, student protests have surged in Bangladesh, with many demanding enhanced safety and security for citizens amid a deteriorating law and order situation throughout the country. Furthermore, medical students are voicing their specific demands.
