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Successes and failures of our health sector 

Published : Sunday, 19 January, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 379
Bangladesh has made notable progress in its healthcare sector since its independence. However, the medical system continues to face substantial challenges that need to be addressed for further improvement. This article discusses the key successes and shortcomings of Bangladesh's healthcare system and proposes practical solutions for future progress.

One of the most impressive accomplishments has been the reduction in maternal and child mortality rates. The maternal mortality rate has decreased from 173 to 165 per 100,000 live births, while the infant mortality rate has fallen to under 30 per 1,000 live births. These improvements can be attributed to better prenatal care, skilled deliveries, and the increasing availability of healthcare services across the country.

The National Immunization Program has also played a vital role in improving public health. The program has successfully reduced the incidence of many diseases, including polio, tuberculosis, and measles. Bangladesh has even been recognized as a polio-free country. Nationwide vaccination campaigns have helped ensure that nearly every child receives vaccinations, even in remote rural areas.

The pharmaceutical industry in Bangladesh has also made significant progress. The country now produces 98% of its domestic pharmaceutical needs and exports to over 150 countries. The 1982 Drug Policy, which encouraged local production of medicines, has been pivotal in reducing dependence on imports.

Furthermore, digital healthcare technologies such as telemedicine and mobile health applications have greatly improved access to medical services, particularly for people in rural areas. These innovations have made healthcare more accessible, even in regions with limited medical facilities.

Public health education has also contributed to improvements in the healthcare system. Health campaigns have raised awareness about diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya, enabling people to better understand how to prevent and treat these illnesses. This increased awareness has empowered individuals to make informed decisions regarding their health.

Medical education in Bangladesh has grown over the years, producing skilled professionals who contribute to the healthcare system. Institutions such as Dhaka Medical College and Chittagong Medical College have played a key role in training doctors who work both in Bangladesh and abroad, which has helped improve healthcare services in the country.

Despite these accomplishments, significant challenges remain. One of the major issues is the disparity in healthcare access between urban and rural areas. While urban centers have well-equipped hospitals, rural regions often lack basic healthcare services. People in remote areas have to travel long distances to seek medical care, which remains a barrier to healthcare access.

Many hospitals, especially in rural areas, also suffer from outdated infrastructure and lack modern medical equipment. Overcrowding in urban hospitals further strains resources,  leading to delays in treatment and lower-quality care.

Another pressing issue is the shortage of doctors, particularly in rural areas. Many qualified doctors choose to work in private hospitals or migrate abroad for better opportunities, leaving public hospitals with insufficient staff. Additionally, the low salary and poor working conditions in public hospitals discourage doctors from staying in these institutions.

Corruption and mismanagement in government hospitals also hinder healthcare delivery. Issues like bribery, black market sales of drugs, and substandard care undermine the effectiveness of the healthcare system, particularly in public hospitals.

The commercialization of private healthcare is another challenge. Private hospitals often focus on profit, resulting in high treatment costs that are unaffordable for many. This makes it difficult for low-income individuals to access necessary medical care.

To address these challenges, the government must increase its healthcare budget, currently at 2-3% of GDP, to at least 5-6%. This increase will help improve healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. The government should also introduce reforms to improve hospital management and reduce corruption in the public healthcare sector.

While Bangladesh has made impressive strides in improving healthcare, significant gaps remain. By addressing disparities, improving infrastructure, reducing corruption, and investing in mental health and medical research, Bangladesh can strengthen its healthcare system and ensure better outcomes for its citizens.

The writer is the founder and Chairman of Jatiya Rogi Kallyan Society


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