Santo Domingo, RD – On May 9, 2025, the Dominican College of Bioanalysts (Codobio) raised its voice in protest during the National Bioanalyst Day, highlighting the government's lack of recognition for this essential sector within the healthcare system. María Esther Santos, president of Codobio, articulated the frustrations of bioanalysts who feel undervalued by the authorities. "We as a guild feel that we are not being valued by the government," Santos stated during a commemorative event where she outlined specific demands.
Among the primary requests was the inclusion of clinical laboratory managers in the staggered salary increase that began in January 2025. Santos explained that this personnel was unjustly excluded despite their managerial responsibilities in public sector laboratories. Codobio also called for special pensions for bioanalysts over the age of 60 who have dedicated more than three decades to public service. "So far, we have not had a response regarding these pension requests, and it is an act of justice that they be addressed," she indicated.
Another critical issue discussed was the shortage of bioanalysts in public health centers, leading to increased workloads for the active staff. Santos reported that in 2022, over 500 bioanalysts were retired, yet their positions have not been filled. Additionally, Codobio demanded the reclassification of positions for many professionals currently performing management functions without receiving the corresponding salary.
Codobio appealed to the authorities of the Ministry of Public Health and the National Health Service to establish dialogue tables to address these issues promptly and fairly. During the solemn event, which marked the 56th anniversary of Codobio, Santos reiterated a call to President Luis Abinader Corona to urgently address labor demands that have been postponed for years, despite the essential role this sector plays in the national healthcare system.
Santos advocated for special pensions equivalent to 100% of the last salary earned, a 25% salary increase for clinical laboratory managers, and the reclassification of positions and adjustments for retired professionals. "Our daily work is vital for public health, but it is not being recognized in terms of working conditions and acquired rights," Santos expressed before health authorities, academic representatives, and guild members present at the event.
Founded in 1968 as the Dominican Association of Clinical Laboratory Professionals (ADOPLAC), Codobio gained legal status as a professional college in 2005 with the enactment of Law 92-05. Since then, it has been a key player in strengthening bioanalysis as a scientific and technical discipline in the country. In her management report for the period 2023-2025, Santos highlighted achievements such as the incorporation of 540 new members, the updating of the registry of members, and the review of the internal regulations governing social plans.
Financially, Santos noted that when she took office in November 2023, the college had no debts and a bank balance of RD$ 628,987.33. Currently, that balance exceeds one million pesos, a result of efficient administrative policies, austerity, and transparency overseen by an external auditing firm. "It is an exercise in responsibility and trust that speaks of the institutional commitment to transparency," she affirmed.
Regarding salary improvements, Santos announced a staggered agreement that includes a total increase of 25% between 2025 and 2026, distributed in three phases: a 10% increase in January, another 10% in July 2025, and an additional 5% in January 2026. This adjustment would raise the approximate gross salary to RD$ 51,600 per month, a figure that, according to union leaders, still falls below the regional standard for professionals in the field.
Santos also warned about the proliferation of technical programs that, in the guild's view, compromise the university and scientific training of bioanalysts. "The technicalization of our career represents a real threat to the integrity of the profession. We will not allow the value of bioanalysis to be diminished," she asserted.
The event concluded with a posthumous tribute to deceased professionals and a call for guild unity to face current challenges. Santos reaffirmed her commitment to defending labor rights, the scientific quality of professional practice, and the institutional strengthening of Codobio. "We continue to believe in ethical, scientific bioanalysis committed to the Dominican people. But we expect concrete actions from the government that dignify this essential work for public health," she concluded.
