Postgraduate private trainee doctors in Bangladesh play a crucial role in delivering healthcare services, particularly in public hospitals.
Despite their significant contributions, they face financial difficulties due to inadequate remuneration.
Recently, these doctors demanded an increase in their stipend from Tk25,000 to Tk50,000 per month.
In response to their protests, the government raised the amount to Tk30,000, which the doctors consider insufficient given their workload and inability to earn additional income through private practice.
There are approximately 6,000 postgraduate trainee doctors in Bangladesh working in various medical colleges and hospitals.
These doctors are responsible for major tasks in hospitals, including patient care, performing procedures, and assisting in surgeries.
Their responsibilities often mirror those of fully qualified doctors, but their remuneration does not reflect this.
The intensive nature of their training and hospital duties leaves them with little or no time for private practice or other income-generating activities.
With rising inflation, the cost of living in urban areas like Dhaka and Chattogram has increased significantly, making survival on Tk30,000 per month challenging.
Even with the recent increment, the stipend is inadequate to cover basic living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and utilities. Many trainee doctors bear additional expenses for academic resources, licensing exams, and training-related fees.
Financial struggles exacerbate the mental and physical stress associated with their demanding workload, impacting their ability to focus on professional development.
Trainee doctors supporting families face even greater challenges, as the stipend is insufficient to meet household needs.
In neighbouring countries, postgraduate trainee doctors fare significantly better.
In India, they receive stipends ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs90,000 per month, depending on the state and institution.
In Pakistan, the range is PKR50,000 to PKR80,000 per month.
Developed countries offer even more competitive remuneration.
In the United States, medical residents earn an average of $60,000 annually, or around $5,000 per month, while in the United Kingdom, trainee doctors earn between £30,000 and £40,000 annually, depending on their year of training and location.
To address this situation, a gradual increase in the stipend to align with the doctors’ demands is essential, aiming for Tk50,000 in the short term and higher adjustments in subsequent years to match inflation and living costs.
Subsidised housing, meals, and transportation should be provided to reduce their financial burden.
Low-interest loan programs can help doctors manage additional expenses related to training and family needs.
Introducing health insurance and other welfare schemes specifically tailored for trainee doctors would further ease their challenges.
Benchmarking remuneration and benefits against regional and international standards will ensure competitive compensation.
Collaboration with medical associations to advocate for sustainable financial support and better working conditions is crucial.
Public awareness campaigns highlighting the critical role of trainee doctors in healthcare delivery can also garner support for their demands.
The livelihood challenges faced by postgraduate trainee doctors in Bangladesh stem from a combination of inadequate remuneration, rising living costs, and intensive workloads.
Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach, including immediate stipend revisions, long-term policy changes, and the provision of additional benefits.
By investing in the well-being of trainee doctors, the government can ensure a motivated and efficient workforce, ultimately improving the quality of healthcare services in the country.
