Workshop with DIFE Officials on Reviewing Handbook and Checklist of ‘Model Enterprise Clinics’ in RMG Industries

DHAKA (ILO News) – The Employment Injury Scheme (EIS) Project funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, organized a half-day workshop with the officials from Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) to review the Handbook and Checklists of ‘Model Enterprise Clinics’ in RMG Industries.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has developed a handbook and checklists to establish ‘Model Enterprise Clinics’ in RMG Industries, in close collaboration with industrial associations, BGMEA and BKMEA.  A workshop for Government Department for Inspection of Factories and Enterprises (DIFE) was organized on June 14 2023 to review the handbook and checklists.

The workshop successfully gathered 22 DIFE officials, including 5 female participants. The facilitation of the workshop was led by CMED, the knowledge partner of ILO.

Prof. Khondaker Abdullah Al Mamun, the founder of CMED Health Ltd, inaugurated the event. A detailed presentation was given by Mr. Moinul Haque Chowdhury, Director of CMED Health on the handbook and checklist of model enterprise clinics. During the presentation, he explained the handbook and checklists developed for compiling and simplifying relevant regulations from the Bangladesh Labour Law, Bangladesh Labour Rules, and suggestions from relevant stakeholders. The presentation concluded with a recommendation to add a few additional points from the checklist into DIFE inspection checklist. This incorporation would greatly assist DIFE in conducting a more comprehensive assessment of the healthcare facilities within factories.

During the participants’ feedback session, Mst. Julia Jesmin, Joint Inspector General of DIFE, expressed her appreciation for compiling and sharing the comprehensive guidelines and pictorial handbook on model enterprise clinics. Md. Matiur Rahman, another Joint Inspector General of DIFE, made an important request to incorporate tutorial videos for all types of enterprise clinics. The Labour Inspectors shared some useful suggestions to be included in the handbook. The participants acknowledged that these resources will significantly improve the accessibility and understanding of the guidelines for stakeholders at all levels, including workers and owners. They also mentioned that incorporating such a list into the DIFE checklist needs to follow proper procedures and regulations.

At the closing session, Ms. Mosrat Jahan, M&E Officer, ILO expressed her gratitude to the participants and acknowledged the significance of their contributions. She informed that ILO has a plan in the coming days to organize more workshops and training on this handbook and checklist. She extended her cordial invitation to DIFE officials (especially the Labour Inspectors) to join the events.

ILO and GIZ are providing technical support to the Government of Bangladesh, Employers and Workers’ organizations in implementing the employment injury scheme pilot through a project funded by Government of Netherlands and Germany. One of the prioritized activities is to strengthen Enterprise Clinics in line with the relevant national legislation and research studies.