Dr Abu Muhammad Zakir Hussain, Chairperson of the Community Clinic Health Support Trust (CCHST), attended as Chief Guest, joined by Dr Md Gausul Azim Chowdhury, Divisional Director, DGHS, and Dewan Morshed Kamal, Divisional Director, DGFP, as Special Guests. The event also brought together district-level government officials, including Superintendents, Civil Surgeons, DDFPs, and others, alongside representatives from CPTIs, CPs, and the media.
Discussions during the workshop focused on strengthening professional recognition, improving referral mechanisms, and creating career progression pathways for Community Paramedics. Participants stressed the need for clear monitoring and supervision and active government engagement to ensure quality and effective service delivery at the grassroots level.
The workshop also showcased ASTHA’s ongoing efforts since 2011 to build a competent Community Paramedic workforce and advance systemic reforms. Certified by the Bangladesh Nursing and Midwifery Council (BNMC), Community Paramedics have a two-year training programme covering maternal and child health, family planning, adolescent care, nutrition, and patient referral. In areas where doctors are scarce, they often serve as the first point of contact for rural communities.
In his keynote address, Dr Abu Muhammad Zakir Hussain, Chairperson of CCHST, highlighted the strategic importance of formally integrating Community Paramedics into Bangladesh’s national healthcare framework. He said, “Community Paramedics are a vital bridge between rural households and the healthcare system. Strengthening their role will reduce the pressure on public facilities while ensuring equitable, quality healthcare for underserved populations.”
Sharing his perspective, Dr Md Gausul Azim Chowdhury, Divisional Director, DGHS, emphasised the need for stronger monitoring and accountability systems. He remarked, "With proper supervision, CPs have immense opportunities to contribute, and by addressing challenges together, we can significantly improve the rural healthcare system of Bangladesh.”
Meanwhile, Dewan Morshed Kamal, Divisional Director, DGFP, highlighted the importance of recognising Community Paramedics within the national framework. He added, “Community Paramedics have a unique position in bridging the gap between communities and the rural primary healthcare system, especially in family planning and maternal health. To strengthen their contribution, we need to open up opportunities for them within the national system.”
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen engagement at district and upazila levels, gather local insights, and foster collaboration among healthcare authorities and training institutes. These inputs from the Rangpur Division will inform forthcoming national-level discussions on integrating and scaling Community Paramedic services within Bangladesh’s health system.