More medical colleges needed at district level

The government is committed towards providing health services to people in both rural and urban areas. But this has become difficult as doctors are not willing to serve the health centres located in rural areas. The problem has become severe as an adequate number of doctors could not be developed over the past few decades.

This is why, it is necessary to set up new public medical colleges in some districts.

Reports on August 27 said the government has decided to set up four new medical colleges in Naogan, Netrokona, Magura and Nilphamari. This is a great move by the government. There is a high demand for medical facilities and treatment in these districts.

The authorities can also consider setting up public medical colleges in Narsingdi, Narayanganj, Munshiganj, Manikganj and Gazipur. Such step will undoubtedly improve standard of health services for people of the localities and adjoining areas. Besides, faculty member for these medical colleges is not going to be a problem as these districts are less than two-hour driving distance from Dhaka.

Such a move will allow more students to study medicine and surgery. Also, these students are likely to stay in their home towns and carry on with their professions while others will be willing to go to the rural areas to provide healthcare.

If more medical colleges are opened at district level, a section of the doctors graduating from these colleges can be sent abroad. A number of countries are actively seeking doctors and healthcare professionals under their skilled migrant programmes. This can also help Bangladesh net more foreign currencies and strengthen its overall reserve.

Md Ashraf Hossain

Masumpur, Narsingdi

[email protected]