Digital Deployment Drive: Over 7,000 Supernumerary Posts Created in Health Sector
The Ministry of Health has launched a digital system for the deployment of health personnel, leading to the creation of over 7,000 supernumerary posts for the first time. These newly created positions include technicians, teachers, doctors, nurses, and various levels of healthcare workers, according to the Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Professor Dr. Abu Zafar.
Speaking at a discussion event marking World Health Day on Sunday (April 20) at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, Dr. Abu Zafar stated, “Alongside the creation of new posts, we have introduced a digital deployment and monitoring system that is significantly more effective than previous methods. Now, every posting and duty location will be recorded online, which will help reduce irregularities and ensure healthcare reaches even the remotest regions.”
Highlighting a key challenge, Dr. Zafar said, “The biggest issue in the health sector is manpower. The shortage is not limited to one or two categories — it spans across teachers, doctors, nurses, and technicians. This shortfall directly impacts service delivery at all levels, from district towns to upazilas and unions. That is why we have implemented a digital posting process. Under this initiative, we have, for the first time, created over 7,000 supernumerary posts, allowing us to appoint personnel based on actual needs. These additional positions will include not only doctors, but also teachers, nurses, lab technicians, and other healthcare workers.”
The event was graced by Nurjahan Begum, Advisor to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as the chief guest. Special guest Professor Dr. Md. Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Health and Family Welfare Affairs (with the rank of State Minister), was also present. Among other attendees were Md. Saidur Rahman, Secretary of the Health Services Division; Dr. Md. Sarwar Bari, Secretary of the Health Education and Family Welfare Division; Ashrafi Ahmed (NDC), Director General of the Directorate General of Family Planning; and Dr. Ahmed Jamshed Mohammad, Representative of the World Health Organization in Bangladesh.
