5,000 more doctors to be recruited through special BCS: Health Minister

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain on Wednesday announced that the government will recruit 5,000 additional doctors through a special BCS examination as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare services across the country.

He made the announcement while speaking to reporters during a surprise inspection of 250-bed Rajbari Sadar Hospital.

"We are facing numerous challenges in the health sector, but by the grace of Almighty Allah, we will recruit 5,000 doctors through a special BCS. We are also expanding training opportunities for healthcare professionals," he said.

The minister noted that 14 new doctors had recently been posted to Rajbari Sadar Hospital, although six of them had yet to join their duties. Two consultant physicians have also been appointed, and additional manpower will be provided if required.

Sakhawat Hossain said the government is gradually cancelling deputation-based postings across the country to ensure doctors remain at their designated workplaces. 

"We cannot clear the backlog of problems accumulated over the past 17 years overnight, but we are working to bring discipline and accountability to the healthcare system," he said.

Emphasising the government's commitment to expanding healthcare access, the minister said ensuring quality medical services at people's doorsteps was a key pledge of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and part of the government's election manifesto.

"We do not want anyone to die without treatment. Our goal is to ensure that every citizen receives proper healthcare services," he said, adding that efforts were underway to motivate healthcare workers and improve service delivery across the country.

The minister also announced plans to introduce Intensive Care Unit (ICU) facilities and 10-bed kidney dialysis centres in hospitals nationwide. He said procurement processes for dialysis equipment had already been completed.

He added that the government had reduced dialysis fees in the latest budget to make the service more accessible. ICU facilities have already been introduced in 10 hospitals, and similar facilities will be expanded gradually, he said.

TZ