Editorial
Glaring example of neglect to rural outback
Doctors keep away from their designated posts
We have already been apprised of the practice of medicine by quacks or doctors with fake degrees making a mockery of healthcare in the rural areas. Now an investigative report of Prothom Alo on Tuesday has exposed another kind of devilry.
Doctors appointed on an adhoc basis to practice in the districts they come from or nearby upazillas are fleeing their designated posts to work in the capital or not turn up for work at all. In a country where the rural outback is neglected in terms of primary health care, how is it possible that these government-appointed doctors can get away with such irresponsible behaviour?
The report predictably reveals that certain medical associations and even Members of Parliament are involved in exerting their influence to unofficially transfer these doctors, appointed for the care of the rural people, to come to the city or the districts that they prefer to be in. So far since last July and this April, 4,133 adhoc doctors have been appointed to work at community health care centres in the respective unions. But most of them have been found practicing in the upazillas or districts that were not originally designated for them.
This has been the consequence of an allegedly influential clique in the health ministry that controls these doctors and decides for them where they will practice. This group is so strong that they have managed to defy not only the rules and regulations of official appointments but the Prime Minister's strict warning that those doctors who did not want to practice in the rural areas should leave their jobs.
Obviously this particular brand of corruption has been going on for a long time. The investigative report has given the government the perfect opportunity to take strict action against the errant doctors as well as their godfathers in the bureaucracy who have created this health scam in the first place.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments