Doctors recruited through the 48th special BCS (health) examination demanded the immediate publication of the gazette and posting order, warning that delays are worsening the country’s already strained primary health care system.
The demand was raised at a press conference organised by the 48th Special BCS (Health) Primary Care Doctors’ Forum at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Monday.
Speakers said the special BCS examination was held to tackle the acute shortage of doctors at the grassroots. Under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s plan, more than 3500 doctors were to be recruited, and the results were published on 11 September.
However, nearly three months have passed, and no gazette notification or posting orders have been issued yet.
As a result, they said, public health services-particularly at upazila health complexes-are facing serious disruptions.
Describing the ground reality, the forum said that in several upazilas a single doctor treats more than a hundred patients a day, forcing many to wait for hours or travel long distances to district hospitals due to physician shortages.
Forum leaders said the delay in appointing doctors selected through the special BCS is defeating the goal of strengthening primary healthcare and easing pressure on hospitals.
They noted that despite repeated assurances from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and recent government statements stressing primary healthcare reform, the recruitment process remains incomplete.
A forum representative said, “We are fully prepared to serve the people at the grassroots level. But unnecessary delays in issuing the gazette are depriving millions of citizens from essential healthcare services.”
The doctors expressed deep concern over career uncertainty, saying many have vacated their homes or deferred postgraduate studies in anticipation of joining service.
The forum urged the authorities to publish the gazette and issue posting orders without further delay to ensure uninterrupted healthcare delivery across the country.
