May
Day Urgency: Addressing Healthcare Challenges Faced by Bangladeshi Workers with
Immediate Action
Fatema Yasmin 22nd April 2024
May Day, or International Workers' Day, is a global remembrance of the resilience,
sacrifices, and dreams of laborers worldwide. Each year, on May 1st, we reflect
on the historical struggles and ongoing efforts to secure the rights and
dignity of workers across generations and continents.
Historical Context :
Mayday was first
originated in the USA. In the late nineteenth century, the working class was in
a constant struggle to gain the 8-hour work day instead of 10 to 16 hours of work a day in unsafe
conditions, hazardous working conditions, and minimal protections.
At
its national convention in Chicago, held in 1884, the Federation of Organized
Trades and Labor Unions proclaimed that "eight hours shall constitute a
legal day's labor from and after 1 May 1886”
Healthcare Challenges Undermining the May
Day Mission in Bangladesh:
Many workers in Bangladesh, especially those in informal
sectors and rural areas, face significant barriers to accessing healthcare
services. Lack of health infrastructure, shortage of healthcare professionals,
and inadequate health facilities contribute to limited healthcare access,
undermining the well-being of workers and their families.
Healthcare costs remain a major concern for workers in
Bangladesh, where a significant portion of the population lives below the
poverty line. High out-of-pocket expenses for medical treatment, medications,
and hospitalization often deter workers from seeking timely healthcare,
exacerbating health conditions and leading to preventable suffering and
mortality.
Workers in various sectors, including manufacturing,
agriculture, and construction, are exposed to occupational health hazards such
as chemical exposures, physical injuries, and ergonomic strains. Limited
workplace safety regulations, inadequate protective gear, and lack of
occupational health services contribute to a high prevalence of work-related
injuries and illnesses among workers, compromising their health and
productivity.
Maternal and child health remain significant concerns
in Bangladesh, with high rates of maternal mortality, infant mortality, and
malnutrition. Limited access to prenatal care, skilled birth attendants, and
postnatal services contributes to adverse maternal and child health outcomes,
perpetuating intergenerational cycles of poor health and poverty among workers'
families.
Mental Health Neglect: Mental health issues are often
overlooked in Bangladesh, with stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental
illness prevailing in society. Many workers experience work-related stress,
anxiety, and depression due to job insecurity, economic pressures, and
challenging working conditions. However, mental health services and support are
rare, leaving workers without adequate resources to address their psychological
well-being.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the fragility of
healthcare systems in Bangladesh and exposed gaps in pandemic preparedness and
response. Insufficient healthcare infrastructure, inadequate testing and
surveillance, and vaccine inequities have exacerbated the impact of the
pandemic on workers, amplifying health disparities and socioeconomic
vulnerabilities.
To address these challenges, we must ensure more
investments in healthcare infrastructure, strengthen safety measures, and promote
access to essential services. Bangladesh can fulfill the objectives of May Day
and provide a dignified future for all workers by prioritizing these actions.
The writer is a Senior Human Resource Manager at Uttara Crescent Hospital & Former Lecturer at South East University
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