Japan-funded health HR dev centre opens in Sylhet

The inaugural ceremony of the Health Human Resource Development Centre was held recently at RTMI-HRDC Complex in Sylhet.

 This infrastructural project was implemented by the NGO- Research, Training and Management (RTM) International with the support of the Government of Japan through its Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGHSP). Mr. Hiroyuki Minami, Chargé d'affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh, attended the ceremony as the chief guest on behalf of the Government of Japan to grace the inauguration.

Mr. Minami stated in his speech, "Human resource is the most important factor for providing medical services. This facility will greatly contribute to the health sector in rural areas through providing training to the paramedics who would serve their community". Mr Sajjadul Hossain, Divisional Commissioner of Sylhet, Mr Md. Shahidul Islam, Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet, officials from RTM International and alike also attended the inaugural ceremony.

RTM International received US$ 123,435 from the Government of Japan through GGHSP in 2013 to establish a permanent health human resource development centre in Sylhet. Bangladesh Health Watch Report 2007 cited that "about 95% of rural healthcare is met by unqualified providers". There is severe shortage of skilled health workers in Bangladesh.  The RTM International's training centre will be used for paramedic institute. In brief, this centre will provide high quality training programs to paramedics with a projection that these trained persons would serve their community efficiently after completion of their training. The vocational training centre could be easily accessed by students after their 10th grade and such trainings are highly in demand in Sylhet. The Government of Japan funded this project to focus on meritorious students who are unable to support their studies due to poor economic conditions.

The Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGHSP) began its operation in Bangladesh in 1989. Its primary objective is to support various development projects with a view to enhance human security at the grass-roots level.

A total number of 183 projects have been funded through GGHSP amounting approximately US$ 14 million till date in Bangladesh.