Specialised training for new doctors

It is surprising that the government has decided to establish four new medical colleges in the country. While fresh MBBS doctors in the country are struggling to get into postgraduate programmes because there are not enough seats to accommodate most of them, the government's decision does not seem to be well thought out. Generally, MBBS doctors without a postgraduate degree or any specialised training are looked down upon.

Unless they can get government jobs through BCS exams or get enrolled in the BSMMU residency programme, which has a very limited number of seats, or any other specialised training programmes, they have to settle for poorly paid jobs. And those who are enrolled in the “honourary” training programmes after completing the five-year MBBS programme, have to work 48 hours a week without any payment. No wonder the country is experiencing a huge brain drain of brilliant doctors to other countries. It is high time the government came up with solid strategies to facilitate the specialised training process for new doctors. 

Dr Rumman Fatima Nizam

Senior medical officer

Hematology Apollo Hospital, Dhaka