HR shortage hits family planning: dialogue
Family planning services in Bangladesh are facing severe disruptions due to staff shortages and contraceptive supply issues. A decades-old human resources policy, unchanged since 1984, has left workers overburdened and demoralised, with some handling over 2,000 eligible couples instead of the intended 600.
The Directorate General of Family Planning has struggled with recruitment delays and unclear grade advancement rules for years. Without an updated policy, staffing decisions remain inconsistent, affecting job security and career growth. These unresolved issues have weakened administrative efficiency and reduced the effectiveness of community health programmes.
The ongoing shortages and outdated policies have created a critical gap in Bangladesh’s family planning services. Without urgent reforms, the system will continue to struggle with staffing inefficiencies and supply chain failures. Research and policy discussions are now essential to stabilise the workforce and restore service reliability.
