Around 200 medical officers of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) would soon be promoted to junior consultants, after members of the BSMMU syndicate gave their primary approval to the move.
However, sources said the decision – made during a meeting on Friday – was not unanimous. Many syndicate members reportedly opined against the move, but the syndicate was compelled to approve the proposal, allegedly because of a few influential doctors’ leaders.
Seeking anonymity, several syndicate members told the Dhaka Tribune that the approval was not a healthy decision for the university.
They said the huge number of medical officers was not a big burden for the BSMMU, as it was not an ordinary hospital.
Another source claimed that only the medical officers who had already completed their post-graduations would be given promotion.
It has been learnt that the BSMMU currently had more than 800 medical officers, most of whom had no work to do. Moreover the university also had around 1,000 daily-basis employees.
Despite having more than a sufficient number of medical officers, the authorities reportedly appointed 38 new medical officers recently – almost all of them on political consideration – ignoring the recruitment rules.
Political influence allegedly also played a part in the authority’s ad hoc appointment of 140 daily-basis employees.
The BSMMU also recently recruited 200 nurses – out of 3,000 who applied for the posts – amid allegations that most appointments were made on political consideration.
Several doctor leaders of the BSMMU have reportedly been trying to gain popularity by ensuring appointments or promotions. It has been learnt that a single leader had provided ad hoc appointment to around 40 daily-basis employees.
Seeking anonymity, several senior officials admitted that political pressure had been increasing day by day at the BSMMU, with the authority having no other choice but to accept recommendations.
Several departmental heads told the Dhaka Tribune that medical officers were being appointed and given posting at their departments without their concern.
No work could be offered to medical officers, as the residency course students – who were more competent – worked closely with the patients on the limited number of beds, they said.
There are allegations that several groups of the ruling party-backed Swadhinata Chikitshyak Parishad have interfered in the selection process.
Swachip’s BSMMU unit President Professor Sharfuddin Ahmed told the Dhaka Tribune: “We made some requests. But sweeping allegations about the selection process are not true.”
Prof Dr Ruhal Amin, Pro-VC (education) of BSMMU, however claimed that all recruitment and promotion decision were made in accordance with the rules. The appointments of medical officers were given as the university needed the recruitment, he claimed.
