Government focuses on improving healthcare quality: Health advisor's statement

The healthcare sector in Bangladesh is facing a significant shortage of medical professionals, with around 10,000 doctors and 12,000 nurses currently needed to meet the demand, according to recent reports. The interim government, however, is committed to ensuring quality healthcare for the people, with building standard healthcare institutions and producing skilled, humane doctors being among the top priorities.

In an effort to address this shortage, the government has initiated recruitment drives for 3,500 doctors and a similar number of nurses. Additionally, efforts are underway to strengthen English and Japanese language skills for the trainees, as Japan has expressed interest in hiring Bangladeshi nurses and caregivers under a one-year specialised training programme. Successful trainees will have the opportunity to work in Japan.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is also showing interest in training Bangladeshi nursing staff under this programme. This collaboration could provide a valuable opportunity for Bangladeshi nurses to gain international experience and contribute to the country's healthcare sector.

On September 5, Nurjahan Begum, Health and Family Welfare Adviser, highlighted persistent shortages in public hospitals, including doctors, nurses, modern equipment, and laboratories. She inspected several hospital wards, the emergency service centre, and the proposed Islami Bank Hospital construction site in Patenga, expressing concerns about institutions without adequate labs, equipment, or qualified faculty. She warned that such institutions may face suspension or closure.

One of the institutions under scrutiny is the Chattogram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital, a long-established hospital that, according to Nurjahan Begum, has yet to achieve financial self-reliance. Despite these challenges, the hospital continues to serve the community, and efforts are being made to address its financial issues and improve its services.

The meeting, chaired by Syed Morshed Hossain, the hospital's Board President, and attended by senior officials of the health ministry and local health authorities, aims to discuss strategies to improve the hospital's financial situation and enhance its services.

These initiatives and collaborations highlight the government's commitment to improving the quality of healthcare in Bangladesh, ensuring that its citizens have access to the medical services they need and deserve.