The seminar was graced by the presence of Dr Abu Muhammad Zakir Hussain, Chairperson of the Community Clinic Health Support Trust (CCHST), who attended as the Chief Guest. We were also honored to welcome Dr Abu Hussain Md Moinul Ahsan, Director (Hospital & Clinics), DGHS, as a Special Guest, along with Dr Md Anisur Rahman, Divisional Director, DGHS, and Mr Abu Saleh Md Forkan Uddin, Divisional Director, DGFP, who also joined as Special Guests. The event also brought together over a hundred district-level officials, including Superintendents, Civil Surgeons, UH&FPOs, DDFPs, ADFPs, and UFPOs, along with representatives from CPTIs and Community Paramedics, reflecting a collaborative effort to strengthen community-level healthcare.
The discussions at the seminar centered on the role of Community Paramedics in enhancing access to primary healthcare, particularly in underserved and remote areas. Discussions concentrated on defining their scope of responsibilities, adhering to established guidelines, and strengthening collaboration with local health authorities. Participants also explored strategies for supporting CPs through comprehensive training, ongoing supervision, and gradual integration into government health structures, ensuring that services are both dependable and impactful for the communities they serve.
ASTHA brought to light their continued effort since 2011 to strengthen Bangladesh’s healthcare system by developing a skilled Community Paramedic (CP) workforce. Through a comprehensive two-year training program, certified by the Bangladesh Nursing and Midwifery Council (BNMC), CPs gain specialised knowledge in key areas such as maternal and child health, family planning, nutrition, and patient referral. These professionals play a crucial role in local healthcare delivery, particularly in remote areas where they often serve as the primary point of contact. Their presence significantly reduces the strain on higher-level healthcare facilities, ensuring more equitable access to essential services.
Dr Abu Muhammad Zakir Hussain, Chairperson of the Community Clinic Health Support Trust (CCHST), addressed the ongoing maternal health challenges in Bangladesh’s inaccessible areas. Despite progress, many people still struggle to access timely, quality care. He stated, “All women deserve access to safe, institutional deliveries. Yet in many hard-to-reach areas, pregnant women continue to face immense challenges in receiving timely and quality care. We can address this by engaging and guiding Community Paramedics, monitoring their work and expanding their opportunities, so they can play a stronger role in ensuring safe motherhood and improving the quality of primary healthcare in rural Bangladesh.”
As a special guest at the seminar, Dr Abu Hussain Md Moinul Ahsan, Director of Hospital & Clinics at DGHS, spoke about the challenge of assigning MBBS doctors to isolated locations. He highlighted the importance of establishing clear, defined roles for each healthcare provider to ensure a more efficient and effective system. Reflecting on his visits to Community Paramedic Training Institutes (CPTIs), Dr Moinul remarked, "I have visited CPTIs and met Community Paramedics at their service outlets. Their dedication is commendable. I encourage the Civil Surgeons, UHFPOs, and ASTHA team to observe their work closely and, if convinced of their service quality, to help institutionalise their role within the health system. We must utilise this skilled workforce to strengthen primary healthcare delivery in our rural communities.”
Dr Md Anisur Rahman, Divisional Director (Health) for Sylhet, spoke about the impact Community Paramedics can have in bridging healthcare gaps. He said, “In areas that are difficult to reach, Community Paramedics can connect people to critical services. By engaging them in campaigns like the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) initiative, we ensure that vital health information and services are delivered directly to those who need them the most.”
Abu Saleh Md Forkan Uddin, Divisional Director (Family Planning) for Sylhet Division, emphasised the potential of Community Paramedics to address key gaps in Bangladesh's healthcare system, especially in remote areas. He discussed how, with clear guidance, these professionals can enhance access to essential services and streamline patient referrals. He shared, “Community Paramedics can serve as a vital part of the referral system, providing primary healthcare in hard-to-reach areas and referring patients to government facilities. But we should clearly define their roles and maintain a strong monitoring system, so we can strengthen the rural healthcare of Bangladesh.”
The seminar concluded with a collective word to advance the role of Community Paramedics in strengthening Bangladesh’s healthcare system. Key takeaways included fostering better coordination, expanding their integration within existing services, and refining service guidelines. Moving forward, continued collaboration at local levels will be essential to ensure the sustainable impact of these efforts.