New govt docs must stay in rural areas for 2 years

Health Minister Mohammad Nasim on Thursday said 6,151 newly appointed government doctors will have to stay in their workplaces in rural areas for the next two years. “Newly appointed doctors won’t be able to change their workplaces (from rural areas) in the next two years,” Nasim said while speaking at a programme marking the joining of the doctors in government job at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the capital. He said the doctors have been appointed to fulfill the electoral pledges made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and to ensure healthcare facilities for all. The new doctors will be posted within a week, the minister said, adding that the shortage of doctors will come down at all hospitals and healthcare centres after the joining of the doctors. Former Health Minister AFM Ruhal Haque, State Minister for Health Zahid Malik and Health Secretary MM Niazuddin were, among others, present, according to a news agency.