Specialist doctors demand end to neglect of health cadre, seek promotions

Specialist doctors from the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) health cadre have called for an end to longstanding neglect in positions and promotions, which they say has left many professionals, including gynecologists, stuck in the same roles for years.

They also alleged that new roles are being created for administration and other cadres, but not for health cadres.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Nasrul Hamid Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters' Unity today, members of the BCS (Health) Cadre Specialist Doctors' Forum urged the government to address inter-cadre and intra-cadre discrimination, improve medical education, and better utilise skilled professionals.  

They called for qualified specialists to be promoted to the position of assistant professor to improve the country's medical services and educational standards.

Dr Mirza Md Shamsul Arefin, coordinator of the Specialist Doctors' Forum, voiced the frustrations of many doctors, saying, "We have been deprived of promotions for a long time. Officers from junior batches in other cadres are senior to us in positions. This is a mental distress for us.

"We demand the promotion of doctors who have been stuck in the position of medical officer for years to the position of assistant professor. This will not impose any financial burden on the government, as we are already receiving that salary."

Dr Mirza also said, "Political leaders have established medical colleges, but they haven't planned for who will teach the students. We need skilled doctors in the right roles.

"For example, a cardiology surgeon is working at an Upazila Health Complex, only writing prescriptions for paracetamol. This is a waste of talent. If we don't value our skilled professionals, they will leave the country."

The press conference also addressed the imminent expiration of the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME) recognition of MBBS degrees from Bangladesh medical colleges in January 2025. This recognition is crucial for Bangladeshi doctors wishing to practice internationally.

They also drew examples of grade discrepancies, where cadres from administration, police, education are in Grade 3 whereas cadres in health are stuck in Grade 6.

According to WFME guidelines, each teacher must be responsible for no more than 30 students, yet the current number of qualified faculty in positions such as assistant professors, associate professors, and professors is insufficient.

Additionally, the doctors expressed frustration with the existing hierarchy, where senior doctors with higher qualifications are working under the supervision of junior BCS officers who have received administrative promotions and become Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers.

This discrepancy has led to a sense of disrespect among specialist doctors, diminishing their enthusiasm for their work.