The government is seriously considering shutting down six recently established public medical colleges because of significant shortcomings in their infrastructure, faculty, and overall quality standards.
Students currently enrolled in these colleges are expected to be transferred to nearby medical colleges.
The Health Department has emphasized that it will not compromise on the quality of medical education, as it is essential to produce competent doctors.
Among the colleges under scrutiny is Netrokona Medical College, which was approved back in 2018.
Despite the lack of proper infrastructure and staff, the college began its operations the following year within a few rooms of the district hospital.
However, it continues to operate in makeshift conditions. Although the situation hasn`t improved much, the intake of students at Netrokona was increased from 50 to 70 in the past year.
Students at the college have pointed out several issues, including the absence of key administrative posts such as a registrar or sub-registrar.
Moreover, there is a shortage of teaching staff, with part-time teachers filling in.
The laboratory facilities at Netrokona are also inadequate, forcing students to rely entirely on textbooks as they cannot gain hands-on experience in the lab.
Chandpur Medical College faces its own set of challenges.
Despite being in operation for six years, the college still hasn`t completed the process of land acquisition.
Classes are currently held in only eight rooms at the district hospital, and students have expressed frustration with the lack of space.
There is no permanent campus, and students have to wait outside while other batches attend classes.
Additionally, the college lacks a dedicated hostel, and students are temporarily housed in a rented building.
The situation at other medical colleges, such as Naogaon, Nilphamari, Magura, and Habiganj, is no better.
All six of these medical colleges were set up without sufficient planning or preparation.
The creation of these institutions was largely influenced by powerful political figures, including ministers, MPs, and bureaucrats during the Awami League government.
Professor Nazmul Hossain, the Director General of the Directorate General of Medical Education, acknowledged the problems, saying,
"None of these six medical colleges have permanent campuses. Classes are being held in district hospitals or rented buildings. There are no standard laboratories. As the manpower has not been approved, teachers from other colleges are being brought in to teach. Despite these challenges, the number of seats was increased. The government is now reconsidering the future of these six colleges."
The Health Department has announced that no more new medical colleges will be approved unless there is a clear plan and proper preparation in place.
Political influence will no longer be a deciding factor in the approval process.
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