Organised by Swisscontact’s ASTHA project, the two-day field visit focused on exploring the integration of clinical attachments in government health facilities and strengthening teaching and learning processes in Community Paramedic Training Institutes (CPTIs). Representatives from the DGHS, local health departments, and ASTHA teams from Dhaka and Rangpur joined the visit.
On the first day, Dr Ahsan, accompanied by the ASTHA team, visited several CP service points in Nilphamari and Rangpur. He interacted with practising Community Paramedics, including an outlet where husband and wife are providing affordable, quality primary healthcare to their community.
The delegation then visited the 250-bed District Hospital in Nilphamari, where students from the Uttoron Community Paramedic Institute (UCPI) are completing their six-month clinical attachments. Dr Ahsan, along with Dr Md. Abdur Razzaque, Civil Surgeon (Nilphamari), and Dr Md Abdullah-Hel Mafi, Assistant Superintendent (250-bed District Hospital, Nilphamari), discussed ways to enhance students’ hands-on learning experiences. He recommended introducing a structured roster system to ensure consistent, practical exposure aligned with hospital services.
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.
On the second day, the delegation visited the Office of the Divisional Director (Health) in Rangpur. They met with Dr Md. Gausul Azim Chowdhury, Director (Health), along with Dr Md. Meshkatul Abed, Assistant Director (Health), and Dr Md. Wazed Ali, Deputy Director (Health). The conversation focused on improving coordination between government health offices and local training institutes and exploring ways to strengthen community health services. Later in the day, the team visited the Rangpur Community Paramedic Institute (RCPI) at Hasna Bazar. Dr Ahsan met with Dr Shahin Sultana, Civil Surgeon (Rangpur), and Dr Mst. Shammi Akther, Upazila Health & Family Planning Officer (Rangpur), as well as the Principal and Vice Principal of RCPI.
Dr Ahsan also visited a CP service outlet in Rangpur and the Haragach 31-bed Hospital, where he provided feedback on aligning the CP curriculum and clinical attachments with real-world healthcare needs. Emphasising the importance of Community Paramedics in strengthening Bangladesh’s healthcare system, Dr Ahsan noted:
The visit highlighted the growing recognition of Community Paramedics as essential frontline health workers. It also reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between DGHS, the Bangladesh Nursing and Midwifery Council (BNMC), CPTIs, and development partners like Swisscontact in advancing skills development and improving healthcare access for rural populations.
Through such partnerships, the ASTHA project continues to promote a sustainable model of community-based healthcare, empowering local youth with professional skills while contributing to Bangladesh’s national health goals.