ICMLS Advocacy for Proper Classification of Medical Laboratory Professionals in ISCO-08

 

The Indian Confederation of Medical Laboratory Science (ICMLS) has been a consistent and strong advocate for the proper classification and recognition of Medical Laboratory Professionals in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO-08) developed by the International Labour Organization (ILO). ICMLS recognizes that the current classification under ISCO-08 Code 3212 (Medical and Pathology Laboratory Technicians) does not adequately represent the academic qualifications, scientific competencies, or professional responsibilities of the modern Medical Laboratory Scientist/Technologist workforce.

 

ICMLS considers this issue not merely a matter of terminology, but one that has serious implications for professional identity, global mobility, career progression, and equitable recognition of laboratory professionals within healthcare systems worldwide.

 

Key Areas of ICMLS Advocacy-

 

Highlighting the Misclassification Issue: ICMLS has raised national and international concern that the current ISCO-08 Code 3212 places Medical Laboratory Scientists and Technologists under the same occupational category as technicians, ignoring the significant differences in education level (bachelor’s or master’s degree), scope of practice, and decision-making authority. This has led to professional undervaluation, limited career growth, and confusion in workforce policies across many countries, including India.

 

Proposing Reclassification to Reflect Scientific and Professional Roles: ICMLS advocates that Medical Laboratory Scientists/Technologists should be classified under a distinct sub-major group, aligned with other scientific and clinical professionals such as pharmacists, physiotherapists, and radiographers. The organization has urged for an update or revision within ISCO to create a new code that reflects the scientific and diagnostic nature of laboratory professionals’ work.

 

Engagement with National and Global Bodies: ICMLS has made formal representations to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), and relevant international associations to review and adopt a scientifically accurate and hierarchical classification system. It also aligns its advocacy with the efforts of the International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science (IFBLS), which supports similar reclassification globally.

 

Impact on Policy, Education, and Workforce Planning: The incorrect classification affects multiple domains — from education and curriculum design to licensing, pay scales, and career progression. ICMLS emphasizes that aligning the classification with global standards would facilitate international recognition, promote academic equivalence, and support workforce mobility under global healthcare systems.

 

Advocacy for Recognition within the Indian Context: Within India, ICMLS has urged authorities to ensure that Medical Laboratory Professionals under the NCAHP Act are categorized distinctly as Biomedical Laboratory Scientists/Medical Laboratory Scientists, not merely as technicians. This would reflect their diagnostic expertise, leadership in laboratory quality systems, and contributions to research and public health.

 

Ensuring Professional Dignity and Patient Safety: By advocating for proper classification, ICMLS underscores that professional identity directly influences patient safety. When the scientific authority and accountability of laboratory professionals are clearly recognized, it strengthens the reliability and integrity of diagnostic services — a vital element in safe and effective healthcare delivery. The ICMLS advocacy for proper classification of Medical Laboratory Professionals in ISCO-08 is a global call for justice, recognition, and standardization. It aims to correct a long-standing misrepresentation that undermines the professional dignity of laboratory scientists. ICMLS continues to collaborate with national, regional, and international organizations to ensure that the next revision of ISCO or national occupational frameworks properly reflect the true scientific, clinical, and professional status of Medical Laboratory Scientists and Technologists — essential pillars of modern healthcare.