Sorry state of community clinics

FE Team | Published: February 03, 2024 22:24:28

The much-appreciated community clinic project was initiated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 1996 to ensure healthcare facilities for all and provide healthcare directly to people at the grassroots level. Under this initiative, the government so far established around 17,000 community clinics.
However, a critical concern arises regarding the healthcare providers in these community clinics. Currently, it is alleged that individuals with a high school diploma or equivalent are serving in these clinics as 'Community Health Care Providers,' receiving only three months of training before assuming their roles. Such brief training raises doubts about the quality of healthcare provided in these clinics.
To address this issue, it is imperative to consider employing qualified medical professionals. While there may be challenges in recruiting doctors at upazila health complexes, an alternative solution lies in utilising diploma doctors. Diploma doctors undergo four years of comprehensive training, including three years of theoretical study and one year of internship in 14 medical subjects to obtain the DMF degree. Upon graduation, they receive registration from the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC).
Currently, over 30,000 diploma doctors in Bangladesh are unemployed. Leveraging these qualified professionals in the Community Clinic Project could significantly enhance the country's healthcare sector. By employing diploma doctors alongside other qualified medical professionals, the project can ensure better healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.
Hasibul Anam
Student, Mass Communication of Journalism,
Dhaka University.