Dhaka: The jobs of community health care providers (CHCPs), currently working in community clinics, are set to be included in the revenue sector starting next month. This significant change was announced by Dr. Abu Muhammad Zakir Hossain, President of the Community Clinic Health Assistance Trust and a member of the Health Sector Reform Commission.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, CHCPs have been without salaries for eight consecutive months since June due to the non-approval of the Operation Plan (OP). With their inclusion in the revenue sector, they are expected to receive their pending salaries for nine months. Dr. Zakir Hossain mentioned that the interim government is preparing to implement several initiatives concerning community clinics, focusing more on disease prevention and health promotion rather than just treatment.
These clinics, numbering approximately 14,000 nationwide, currently provide 22 types of medicines, with some already offering treatment for high blood pressure and diabetes. The government plans to extend these services to all community clinics. A patient referral system will be initiated, with two doctors available at the clinics twice a week to attend to patients with non-communicable diseases.
Dr. Hossain emphasized the importance of strengthening community clinics to alleviate pressure on tertiary healthcare facilities. A list of 13,926 CHCPs has been forwarded to the Ministry of Finance, with only one step remaining for their jobs to be included under the revenue budget. Previously, CHCPs received salaries at the 14th grade, but the Ministry of Finance has now adjusted this to the 16th grade.
The community clinic regulations are in the preparation phase, following a law enacted on October 8, 2018. These clinics operate from 9 am to 3 pm, six days a week, excluding public holidays, with CHCPs present every working day.