The Dr. M.R. Khan Medical Center at Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) is grappling with a severe shortage of doctors and medicines, raising concerns among students and staff. With only three doctors available for nearly six thousand students, teachers, officers, and staff, the situation has become dire.
Students have expressed frustration over the challenges in accessing healthcare. Many find it difficult to get timely treatment or necessary medicines, leading to mounting dissatisfaction. To address these problems, students have called for immediate steps to recruit more doctors and establish 24-hour emergency services, including on university holidays. Additionally, they have urged the authorities to introduce facilities for conducting all types of pathological tests.
Investigations reveal that the chronic shortage of doctors stems from frequent turnover. Many recruited doctors leave for opportunities in the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) or other jobs, leaving the medical center understaffed. Despite demands for round-the-clock medical services, the current medical team struggles to meet basic needs during regular hours. Experts suggest revising the recruitment policies, including increasing the age limit for hiring doctors, to address this recurring issue.
Dr. Deepok Kumar Mondal, the chief medical officer of JUST, voiced his concern over the ongoing crisis. Having been with the medical center since its inception, he feels disheartened when students are unable to access proper treatment. He attributed the recent medicine shortage to delays in the tendering process caused by a pension-related protest. However, Dr. Mondal assured that the tendering process has been resolved and an adequate supply of medicines is expected this week.
The persistent shortage of resources at the medical center highlights the pressing need for a long-term solution to ensure proper healthcare services for the university community.
