On 29 May 2025, ASTHA organised a project briefing at the office of the Civil Surgeon in Nilphamari. The event aimed to share the objectives of the Community Paramedic programme, outline ongoing activities, and discuss areas of collaboration between CPs and public health officials. The session was attended by Dr Md Abdur Razzaque, Civil Surgeon of Nilphamari; Dr Abu Hena Mostofa Kamal, Upazila Health & Family Planning Officer of Nilphamari Sadar; relevant officials from the district health department; faculty members from Community Paramedic Training Institutes (CPTIs); and representatives from the ASTHA project.
During the meeting, the Civil Surgeon underscored the need for improved supervision, monitoring and clear service boundaries. He instructed Upazila Health & Family Planning Officers (UH&FPO) to maintain an updated database of practising CPs and carry out routine supervision. Referral practices were also discussed, with an emphasis on CPs referring patients to government healthcare facilities when needed. “Community Paramedics are a valuable part of rural healthcare, but their work must remain within clear professional boundaries”, said Dr Md Abdur Razzaque. “Our responsibility is to ensure ethical, safe, and reliable care for the people we serve.”
Later, at the event in Nilphamari on 23 June 2025, another project briefing was held at the office of the Civil Surgeon in Moulvibazar. Participants included Dr Md Mamunur Rahman, Civil Surgeon of Moulvibazar; Dr Bornali Das, Upazila Health & Family Planning Officer of Moulvibazar; officials from the district health department; representatives from the CPTIs; and the ASTHA team. The discussion focused on regulatory clarity, field-level supervision, and improved coordination. The Civil Surgeon committed to identifying all practising CPs in the district and instructed UH&FPOs to conduct joint visits with CP instructors to monitor service delivery of the practising CPs and ensure compliance. “Community Paramedics are filling critical gaps in rural healthcare, but for this model to succeed, we must uphold standards and ensure each provider is guided by both skill and accountability”, said Dr Md Mamunur Rahman.
Both meetings highlighted the importance of district-level leadership in supporting CPs through structured monitoring, ethical practice, and stronger linkages with public health systems. Through collaboration with Civil Surgeon offices, ASTHA aims to promote responsible, transparent, and community-centred healthcare delivery.