Dhaka:State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. MA Muhit has declared that no substandard medical college will be permitted to operate in Bangladesh, despite any political pressure or influence from powerful entities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Muhit emphasized the government's commitment to maintaining international standards in medical education and ensuring patient safety. He made these comments while serving as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of an 'Assessor Training' program held at the Bangladesh Medical Education Accreditation Council (BMEAC) in Mohakhali, Dhaka.
Dr. Muhit stated that since assuming office, no new private medical colleges have been approved, which has led to pressure from various influential quarters. He affirmed that no medical college would be allowed to operate without meeting the necessary standards and conditions. Dr. Muhit expressed concerns about the current situation where some medical colleges function without hospitals, leading to students becoming doctors without adequate patient exposure.
The state minister also highlighted the disparities in medical education within the country, noting that nearly half of the medical and dental colleges are concentrated in Dhaka Division, creating imbalances in the remaining divisions. He stressed the need for healthcare infrastructure development through strategic planning rather than succumbing to demands for medical colleges in individual districts during parliamentary sessions or political speeches.
Dr. Muhit underscored the importance of adhering to international standards to expand global employment opportunities for Bangladeshi doctors. He warned that unless Bangladesh complies with the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) standards recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), these opportunities may diminish. Maintaining these standards is crucial for restoring professional dignity and public confidence in doctors.
Lastly, Dr. Muhit expressed concerns about students returning from abroad with medical degrees, noting that only 30 percent of these graduates pass the registration examination. He urged parents to carefully assess the quality of educational institutions before sending their children overseas for medical studies.