Govt introduces automated system for doctors’ transfers, postings
Under the system, software determines doctors’ postings based on their Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) batch merit rankings, assessment scores against various criteria and lists of preferred workplaces.
The government has introduced an automated system for doctors' transfers and postings, with 87 doctors receiving posting orders in the first phase, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said today (15 October).
"There will be no scope for personal connections, political considerations or any other form of influence," he said while jointly inaugurating the system with State Minister MA Muhit at a briefing at the ministry.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The health minister said the system, introduced under the prime minister's instructions, would consider doctors' merit, qualifications and workplace preferences.
The government would assess its effectiveness before gradually expanding it across the health sector, he added.
State Minister Muhit said around 40,000 doctors currently work under the ministry. He alleged that transfers and postings under the previous government had been affected by political influence, corruption and irregularities, with qualified doctors often overlooked.
In the initial phase, the system covered junior consultants in medicine, with posting orders published on the ministry's website.
The software determines postings based on doctors' Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) batch merit rankings, assessment scores and preferred workplaces.
Muhit said Gazi Jahangir Hossain received the first posting order after scoring 81.65 out of 100 in the assessment. He was assigned to his first-choice workplace, Bandar Upazila Health Complex.
The state minister said the government planned to bring all doctors' transfers and postings under the automated system in phases.
Meanwhile, the health minister called for swift implementation of the Health Protection Act and greater emphasis on health insurance to reduce treatment costs.
Speaking at a workshop titled "National Health Protection Authority in Bangladesh: Design and Structural Aspects" at the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka yesterday, he said the government is reviewing laws from different countries to develop a suitable framework for Bangladesh.
