Bangladesh’s healthcare sector has seen notable strides in recent decades, but major challenges still persist. While the nation has made commendable progress in lowering maternal and child mortality rates and tackling infectious diseases, issues around accessibility, quality of care, and infrastructure remain widespread. These shortcomings are pushing many Bangladeshis to seek medical treatment abroad, particularly in India, Thailand, and Singapore—leading to a significant rise in outbound medical tourism.
This article dives into Bangladesh’s current healthcare landscape, highlights key areas for improvement, explores why patients are heading overseas, and examines how neighboring countries are capitalizing on these gaps.
Current Healthcare Facilities in Bangladesh
Public Health Infrastructure
Bangladesh’s public health system is built on a three-tiered model:
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Primary Level: Over 18,000 community clinics and about 450 Upazila Health Complexes
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Secondary Level: 64 District Hospitals
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Tertiary Level: Specialized Medical College Hospitals like Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and Dhaka Medical College
However, public hospitals are heavily overcrowded, with a doctor-patient ratio of 1:1,800—far below the WHO’s recommended 1:1,000.
Private Healthcare Sector
In urban areas, the private sector leads healthcare delivery, with hospitals such as Apollo Hospitals Dhaka, United Hospital, and Square Hospitals offering advanced care. But these facilities remain out of reach for most, serving primarily the affluent and middle classes.
Key Health Statistics (2023–2024)
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Hospital Beds per 10,000 People: 8.3 (India: 5.3 | Thailand: 21)
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Government Health Spending: 0.9% of GDP (Global Avg: ~6%)
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Out-of-Pocket Expenses: 67% (among the highest globally)
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Doctors per 10,000 People: 6.1 (WHO recommends 23)
(Sources: World Bank, WHO, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics)
Major Gaps in Bangladesh’s Healthcare System
Lack of Infrastructure & Modern Equipment
Many public hospitals don’t have MRI machines, CT scanners, or modern surgical units. Only 30% of Upazila Health Complexes have ICU facilities.
Shortage of Skilled Medical Personnel
Each year, over 5,000 doctors leave the country in search of better opportunities. The nurse-to-patient ratio is critically low at 1:2,500, while WHO recommends 1:300.
High Out-of-Pocket Costs
With just 3% of the population covered by insurance, most patients must pay out-of-pocket, often leading families into financial hardship.
Quality Control & Regulation Issues
Roughly 15% of drugs available in the market are counterfeit (DGDA, 2023). Very few hospitals meet global accreditation standards; only a select few, such as United Hospital and Apollo Dhaka, have Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation.
Urban-Rural Disparities
An estimated 70% of specialists work in urban centers, leaving rural populations without access to qualified care.
Why Do Bangladeshi Patients Travel Abroad for Treatment?
Limited Access to Specialized Treatments
Advanced treatments like cancer therapy, complex cardiac procedures, and orthopedic surgeries are not widely available. Cutting-edge services like robotic surgery, proton therapy, and organ transplants are almost non-existent.
Greater Trust in Foreign Healthcare Systems
Countries like India, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia attract Bangladeshi patients with:
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Advanced medical technologies
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Internationally trained doctors
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Faster treatment times
Countries Receiving Most Bangladeshi Medical Tourists
Country Estimated Patients/Year Popular Treatments India 250,000+ Cardiac, Cancer, Orthopedics Thailand 50,000+ Cosmetic Surgery, IVF Singapore 20,000+ Neurology, Oncology Malaysia 15,000+ Fertility, Cardiology
(Source: Medical Tourism Association, 2023)
What Influences Destination Choice?
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Cost-effectiveness (India is cheaper than Singapore)
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Easy visa access (Thailand & Malaysia offer medical visas)
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Language & cultural familiarity (Bengali-speaking doctors in India)
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Proximity & direct flight access (e.g., Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi
Economic Impact of Medical Tourism
India alone earns $1.2 billion annually from Bangladeshi medical tourists (ICRIER, 2024). When Bangladesh-India visa relations tighten, countries like Thailand and Malaysia gain increased business.
Steps Bangladesh Can Take to Strengthen Healthcare
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Boost Government Health Spending
Raise public health expenditure to at least 3% of GDP, aligning with WHO guidelines. -
Foster Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
Encourage private investment in rural healthcare and expand telemedicine networks. -
Retain Medical Talent
Offer competitive salaries and professional incentives to reduce brain drain. Expand training programs for nurses and allied health professionals. -
Upgrade Hospital Standards & Drug Regulation
Implement rigorous quality controls for pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. Encourage more hospitals to pursue JCI or ISO accreditation. -
Develop Domestic Medical Tourism
Build centers of excellence for cancer, cardiology, and other specialties to retain patients locally and attract foreign ones.
Conclusion
Though Bangladesh’s healthcare sector shows promise, immediate reforms are needed to prevent the growing outflow of patients seeking care abroad. With strategic investment in infrastructure, human resources, and regulatory reform, Bangladesh can not only reduce its dependence on foreign treatment but also position itself as a competitive healthcare hub in the region.
C.Basu
Bibliography
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World Bank (2023) – Bangladesh Health Sector Review
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WHO (2024) – Global Health Expenditure Database
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Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (2023) – Health and Demographic Report
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ICRIER (2024) – Medical Tourism Trends in South Asia
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Medical Tourism Association (2023) – Patient Flow Analysis
