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Stressing the need for integrated efforts from all health professionals, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr M A Muhit today said the country's overall healthcare system cannot be advanced by physicians alone.
“The country’s healthcare system cannot be advanced by physicians alone. There is a severe shortage of nurses, midwives and physiotherapists. Integrated efforts from all stakeholders are needed to move the health sector forward. The existing workforce should be increased by 3 to 5 percent,” he said.
The state minister made the remarks while addressing a programme held at the National Institute of Population Research and Training (NIPORT) today, where the findings of two research studies were unveiled.
The event was chaired by NIPORT Director General Israt Jaman. Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services Dr. Provat Chandra Biswas and Additional Director General Professor Dr. Fowara Tasnim, among others, addressed the event.
The two studies were titled “Potential of Health Workers in Harnessing the Demographic Dividend in Bangladesh: Opportunities, Challenges and Policy Requirements” and “Assessment of Health Workers’ Preparedness for Proper Response and Management of Different Types of Epidemic Diseases”.
Referring to the research findings, the state minister said the number of physicians in the country is not low in proportion to the population. The main problem is their distribution, he added.
He said although 80 percent of the country's population lives in rural areas, 80 percent of physicians are based in urban areas. In addition, a large number of physicians work in the private sector outside the government system, he said.
Regarding the recruitment of other healthcare personnel, M A Muhit said the number of nurses and midwives should be increased, yet there is hardly any discussion on the issue.
Similarly, although physiotherapists are greatly needed, they have not yet received adequate recognition, he said, adding that these overlooked categories of health workers should be brought into focus and provided with greater facilities and opportunities to improve the overall healthcare system.
Recalling the contribution of physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said similar viral challenges could emerge in the future. “We are giving the highest priority to developing skilled manpower, training and research,” he said.
Speaking at the programme, Professor Dr. Provat Chandra Biswas said efforts are underway to encourage urban-based physicians to serve in rural areas to ensure healthcare services at the grassroots level.
He said facilities and incentives for physicians working at the grassroots level would be enhanced in the interest of the country's healthcare system.
