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Amid longstanding concerns over low pay and poor working conditions in Bangladesh's private healthcare sector, the government has established a high-level committee to develop a "reasonable, coordinated and dignified" salary structure for entry-level doctors. The seven-member committee, led by the director general of the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME), is tasked with reviewing existing salaries, allowances, and financial benefits for doctors in private hospitals, clinics, medical colleges, and dental colleges across the country.

The committee's formation comes after a meeting between senior health officials and representatives of intern and postgraduate doctors. It will gather data, consult stakeholders, and draft a salary structure to ensure fair remuneration for newly recruited doctors. The committee is expected to submit its report and recommendations to the secretary of the Health Education and Family Welfare Division within 20 working days.

This move directly addresses the demands raised by intern and postgraduate doctors regarding wages and working conditions. Entry-level doctors in the private sector often receive significantly lower salaries compared to their public sector counterparts. Following assurances from health authorities that their key demands would be met, the doctors suspended their work abstention.

In addition to the salary review, other measures are being implemented. The Health Secretary has requested the Ministry of Public Administration to extend the age limit for entry into the BCS health cadre. Furthermore, the Bangladesh Medical University and the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS) have been asked to review and adjust various examination fees to a reasonable level. The committee also has the option to co-opt additional members if deemed necessary.