A good suggestion by the PM

We agree with what the prime minister has suggested when it comes to doctors being on station at upazila-level hospitals. This has been a major problem for decades. Doctors attached to various hospitals at the upazila level keep their positions there but prefer to stay and practise their trade in Dhaka or other major cities. This is a major violation of the rules of business and something needs to be done about it because people in rural areas are deprived of health benefits and must expend precious money to travel to Dhaka to get proper medical treatment.

One can only hope that the suggestion made is turned into concrete action, should such absentee medical personnel continue to behave in such an unprofessional manner. The excuse that good schooling is not available in rural areas falls flat because once a job is accepted and appointment made, the doctor must report to duty wherever that may be. That is how it is done in other sectors. Why should there be an exception for the medical profession?

As the government is expending considerable monies to upgrade upazila hospitals, it is only right that appointed doctors do their duty there. The prime minister's statement resonates with most people in the country. If, for whatever reason, doctors attached to these hospitals cannot be on station, then they should leave their jobs. Let other doctors from the respective upazilas or elsewhere take up these positions. There is no point in equipping hospitals in rural areas if they are bereft of doctors because that is simply a total waste of public expenditure.