Medical centre in name only!

Dr. MR Khan Medical Centre at Jessore University of Science and Technology is apparently failing to live up to students' expectations. Students seeking medical attention often leave disappointed, unable to receive the care they urgently need. Despite arriving during scheduled hours, students frequently don't find doctors. They are either absent or busy with administrative tasks.

Often, patients are turned away by staff with dismissive responses like, "Come after lunch," only to find the doctors in yet another meeting when they return. This cycle leaves students questioning whether a doctor's primary role is to attend to students or to be engaged in endless meetings. For those with urgent health issues, waiting for hours is simply out of question.

The medical centre's shortcomings extend beyond a lack of adequate number of doctors. It can hardly provide any essential medicines apart from basic painkillers like Napa. This lack of essential medicines renders the centre unable to address students' basic health needs, forcing them to seek treatment outside campus.

In light of recent student movements demanding reforms, I would like to offer the following suggestions. First, there should be enhanced supervision to ensure that doctors and staff prioritise students' healthcare over non-essential duties. Second, there should be no more dismissive "Come after lunch" response. Third, a broader range of essential medicines must be made available so that the centre is not merely a "Napa centre." Additionally, adequate diagnostic facilities should be provided to meet students' healthcare needs. Finally, a dedicated complaint box should be installed, with regular reviews of student feedback to address health issues.

With proper reforms, the Dr. MR Khan Medical Centre could become a reliable healthcare resource for students of the JUST.

Ashikujaman Syed

Business Development Manager

Fuyi (Xiamen) Material Technology Co. Ltd.

Xiamen, China.

[email protected]