Doctors leaving?

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We believe that physicians are a special workforce and that their truancy or exodus is highly significant. The debate surrounding physicians' absence is highly charged, but beyond sensationalism and scoring political points we need to take a serious look at the issue. The exodus from Bangladesh is real. Beyond mere figures, there is a "qualitative" exodus because highly skilled physicians with special expertise depart, leaving behind hospitals incapable of providing extra-specialized care, surplus work for colleagues who remain and a weakened teaching base.
The skilled medical professionals should leave work stations is scandalous. So what can we do to end the scandal? Medical practice in private in Bangladesh is no doubt more attractive but Coercive measures to keep physicians on the job must be eliminated. We have to take a fresh look at how our system is managed and find new ways to fund it, while still maintaining the principles embedded in the Bangladesh Health Act. Health care and the biomedical sciences have to aim for excellence. If we do that, then perhaps we will be able to offer our physicians a more attractive environment.
Gopal Sengupta, Avik Sengupta, Canada
gopalsengupta@aol.com
avik.sengupta@mail.mcgill.ca