If Bangladesh does not receive accreditation from the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) by June 2024, the country’s Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree will lose its international recognition in many countries around the world, according to news portals. This will mean that Bangladeshi MBBS graduates will lose out on job opportunities and will not be able to participate in any training programs.
Bangladesh currently has 110 medical colleges and the number of colleges and seats is increasing every year, but the quality has not been improving at the same rate. Many government and private medical colleges are operating under various challenges.
The WFME works to ensure that medical colleges around the world meet international standards. Neighbouring India and even Nepal have received their accreditation, but Bangladesh is lagging behind. If Bangladesh does not meet the requirements for accreditation within the next seven months, the MBBS degree will lose its international recognition in many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Europe.
Professor Titu Mia, director general of the Directorate General of Health Services, said that if Bangladesh’s MBBS degree loses its international recognition, it will have a negative impact on both Bangladeshi MBBS graduates and foreign students who want to study in Bangladesh. To receive accreditation from the WFME, Bangladesh must establish a medical accreditation council. Although a law related to this was passed two months ago, the council has not yet been formed.
Professor Mohammad Shahidullah, president of the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS), said that Bangladesh needs to take effective measures as soon as possible in accordance with the guidelines of the WFME. He added that this accreditation is necessary not only for employment but also for participating in various training programs.
Bangladeshi medical colleges face a number of challenges, including a shortage of teachers and infrastructure. To receive accreditation from the WFME, Bangladesh must address these challenges and meet eleven other conditions.
