Private medical ‘factories’ producing unqualified doctors to face closure: MA Muhit

Terming some private medical colleges “factories”, State Minister for Health MA Muhit today warned that institutions producing unqualified doctors will be shut down if they fail to meet the required conditions.

In a video message shared on his official Facebook page, the state minister said some private medical colleges are operating without maintaining minimum standards, putting both students and public health at risk.

While many private institutions are of high quality and play a significant role in producing well‑trained doctors, others are not complying with basic rules and regulations, he said.

“Despite repeated instructions over the years, some colleges have ignored minimum requirements and are being run like commercial businesses,” Muhit said, adding that such institutions have sprung up across the country.

He noted that some colleges do not even have their own land or valid ownership documents. In many cases, they lack the required fixed deposits, operate without approval from the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC), and run without proper hospitals.

“In such conditions, how can students studying there become competent doctors?” he asked.

Muhit said students enrolling in these institutions are being deceived, as their families invest their savings and hopes in medical education. “Ultimately, the public will suffer if inadequately trained doctors enter the healthcare system,” he added, stressing that the absence of proper training facilities compromises patient safety.

He emphasised that all private medical colleges must meet minimum standards, follow government regulations, and ensure adequate infrastructure -- including hospitals, manpower, and patient flow -- to properly train aspiring doctors.

“If these conditions are not met, just as we are taking action against fake doctors, fake nurses, and fake clinics, we will also have to shut down these ‘factories’ producing unqualified doctors in the interest of public safety and health,” he said.