The government is planning to integrate the three types of health workers providing primary care in rural areas to improve service and avoid duplication.

The authorities will start work in this regard after receiving the Health Sector Reform Commission's report, said Prof Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the chief adviser today.

He made the remarks after a journalist asked for the views of the commission and the government regarding the recommendation of the Local Government Reform Commission to shut down community clinics.

Sayedur was speaking at a discussion marking Doctors' Week at Bangladesh Medical University, organised by 11 associations of doctors.

He said the community clinic is a sensitive issue and they will work on the matter upon receiving the report of the Health Sector Reform Commission.

He said that there are three types of health workers work at union level to provide primary health care. They are family‑planning assistants, health assistants, and community healthcare providers, who work at community clinics.

"We think they should work in an integrated way to provide preventive and promotive care," he said.

Sayedur said they will prepare a roadmap following the reports of both the Health Sector Reform Commission and the Local Government Reform Commission.

"Our purpose is to provide primary health care in an integrated way. There are many instances of duplication here," he said.

Health Sector Reform Commission Chairman Prof AK Azad, and member Prof Syed Atiqul Haque were also present at the programme.

More than 13,000 community clinics are now providing health services and medicines in rural areas across the country.