The government is restructuring development projects to begin construction of permanent campuses for six medical colleges in the current fiscal year, while taking incentives and other measures to address the shortage of basic subject teachers across the country.

The projects are being revised to reduce unnecessary infrastructure, excess land acquisition and duplication of nursing colleges, with the government expecting to save nearly Tk1,000 crore.

Initiatives are also being taken to attract more students and teachers to basic medical subjects and bring retired teachers back into service.\

Professor Dr Nazmul Hossain, director general of the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME), told The Business Standard that starting construction of campuses for medical colleges without permanent facilities is a government priority.

“Starting construction work on medical colleges that do not yet have their own campuses as quickly as possible is the government’s priority. A plan has been made to save nearly Tk1,000 crore by reducing project costs through the avoidance of unnecessary buildings, excess land acquisition, and the duplication of nursing colleges,” he said.

Infographic: TBS

He said a recent workshop discussed the development projects of Magura, Naogaon, Netrokona and Habiganj medical colleges. The draft Development Project Proposals (DPPs) prepared for the colleges in FY2022-23 will be revised based on current needs.

“Back then, there was a tendency to create mega projects. Now, we are shifting to realistic planning so that infrastructure can be developed according to need and maximum utilisation of government funds is ensured,” he said.

There are 110 medical colleges in Bangladesh, including 37 government, 67 private, five Army and one Armed Forces medical college.

Seven government medical colleges – Magura, Naogaon, Netrokona, Habiganj, Chandpur, Nilphamari and Rangamati – currently do not have permanent campuses.

However, the government has not yet confirmed which six colleges will be prioritised.

Smaller campuses, lower costs

The revised plans will reduce land requirements and avoid unnecessary buildings.

Dr Nazmul Islam said 15 acres would ideally be sufficient for a 50-bed medical college, compared with previous proposals for up to 40-41 acres.

“If expansion is needed in the future, another five acres can be reserved,” he said.

Previous plans included around 42 buildings, including separate bungalows for principals and vice-principals.

The new plans will instead use multi-storey administrative buildings, while hospital and academic buildings will be designed for possible vertical expansion.

The government also plans to avoid constructing additional nursing colleges where facilities already exist in the same city. Dr Nazmul said this could save Tk100-150 crore.

He said using unused government khas land could further reduce land acquisition costs.

In Magura, more than 21 acres belonging to an abandoned government textile mill is located about one kilometre from the existing hospital. Using the land could save Tk50-100 crore in acquisition costs, he said.

The revised DPPs will be sent to the ministry for approval. However, updated cost estimates will account for increases in the prices of construction materials, including bricks and rod, since 2022.

Teacher shortage

The government is also planning incentives for students and teachers in basic medical subjects and the re-engagement of retired teachers.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services, 2,700 of the 6,446 teaching posts at 37 government medical colleges are vacant. The shortage is highest at the professor level, where 64.65% of posts are unfilled.

The shortage is particularly severe in basic subjects, including Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine. 

According to DGME, limited private practice opportunities in these fields discourage doctors from pursuing them.

Dr Nazmul said the government plans to provide incentives to students who enrol in basic subjects and give teachers currently working in these fields an incentive equivalent to 70% of their basic salary.

“Furthermore, retired teachers will be re-engaged. As a result of these initiatives, we hope that the quality of our medical education will improve further within the next two years,” he said.

Plans for Chandpur Medical College

Chandpur Medical College, established in 2018, is among the colleges without a permanent campus.

Its classes, laboratories and administrative activities are being conducted at the district hospital and several rented buildings.

Two batches have completed MBBS from the college, while the final examination of the third batch has concluded. Students also complete their internships at Chandpur Sadar Hospital.

Dr Mohammed Iqbal Hossain, principal of Chandpur Medical College, told TBS that land valuation and assessment for the permanent campus are underway under an Executive Committee of the National Economic Council-approved project. A project director and accountant have also been appointed.

He said resolving the shortage of basic subject teachers alongside constructing the permanent campus would further improve the quality of medical education.