A preliminary study findings revealed that around 47 percent of doctors want to conduct research, but most  of them do not have the required skills.

Besides, six out of 10 physicians surveyed said they participate in research activities only for promotion at workplace, which, according to experts, highlights a bad mentality.

The study is based on responses from 500 faculties, resident doctors, medical officers and consultants of four major hospitals in Dhaka -- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka Dental College Hospital and Birdem.

It was conducted in July 2023 by the Department of Public Health and Informatics (PHI) at BSMMU to investigate the challenges and opportunities physicians encounter in research activities.

We, the senior professors, have lost seriousness and drive. We are busy with other tasks rather than performing academic duties... we are engaged in politics rather than fulfilling our main task.

— Dr Kamrul Hasan Khan Former vice chancellor of BSMMU

Prof Dr Atiqul Haque, chairman of PHI and dean of Preventive and Social Medicine at BSMMU, presented the study findings at a workshop on the campus yesterday.

Around 57 percent of the study respondents were male.

Nine out of every 10 doctors who responded to the study said they lacked the skills to conduct statistical analyses and submit papers to foreign publications.

Similarly, three out of every four doctors lacked the ability to explain research, and almost two out of every five doctors lacked the ability to write manuscripts

The study showed that only 25 percent of the surveyed doctors authored research while 29 percent co-authored research, published in different journals.

On their motivations, 16 percent respondents said they were interested in research for a career abroad, 35 percent for pursuing higher studies abroad, and 41 percent for being praised.

The survey also identified a total of 24 types of challenges faced by physicians while doing research, which includes professional pressure (73 percent), lack of research-related knowledge (70 percent), not having a grant (68 percent), no prior knowledge on research (50 percent), lack of support at workplace (36 percent), private practice being more profitable (29 percent), no professional benefit in research activities (29 percent), and non-cooperation from colleagues (14 percent).

The government is ready to provide more funds for quality research. But unethical practices in utilising funds for research must be stopped. Interest and integrity should be the key traits of a researcher.

— Prof ABM Abdullah Personal physician of PM

Discussing the survey findings, experts said there is a need to establish and promote a research culture in the medical education sector to face the public health challenges in the country.

They also stressed on collaboration among the local universities and medical institutions, and utilisation of the existing funds and increase in allocation for research.

Speaking as a panelist, Dr Kamrul Hasan Khan, former vice chancellor of BSMMU, highlighted the absence of an appropriate policy for education and responsibility of senior physicians who can play a role of guardian in the medical education sector.

"We, the senior professors, have lost seriousness and drive. We are busy with other tasks rather than performing academic duties... we are engaged in politics rather than fulfilling our main task," said Prof Kamrul.

While some speakers highlighted the shortage of funds, others said the allocated funds often remain unused.

Prof ABM Abdullah, personal physician of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said the government is ready to provide more funds for quality research.

He also stressed the need for preventing unethical practices in utilising funds for research. Interest and integrity should be the key traits of a researcher, he said.

Prof Sayedur Rahman, chairman of pharmacology at the BSMMU, stressed customising research standards based on the situation and needs in Bangladesh rather than copying the Western concepts.

Prof Chowdhury Meshkat, chairman of cardiology at BSMMU, said, "There is a strong interest among the clinicians for research. We just need to take necessary steps in this regard."

Dr Shams El Arifeen, senior scientist from the icddr,b, stressed on structural support for researchers.

Shishir Moral, special correspondent of Bangla daily Prothom Alo, highlighted the need for translating research findings so that people and policy makers can understand.

Several academicians from Dhaka University, North South University and Bangladesh University of Health Sciences stressed collaboration among  universities and medical institutions.

Prof Sharfuddin Ahmed, vice chancellor of BSMMU, presided over the event.