Government should strengthen public medical facilities

In Bangladesh, the number of hospitals, especially in private sector, is increasing. This is because the country's growing population requires more healthcare facilities with every passing month. Most people in Bangladesh reside in rural areas where the number of doctors and healthcare facilities are low. As a result, these patients are forced to visit cities like Dhaka to seek treatment for themselves and ailing family members.

Most private hospitals are located in Dhaka: a fact that is not convenient for people living outside the metropolis. These hospitals are very expensive. But as patients and their families want to get the best service, they choose these medical institutions. Taking advantage of this mindset, the private hospital authorities charge high rates for diagnosis, bed fees, surgeries and other services. Most of the patients silently pay these fees as they do not have any alternatives.

I think this is an area where the government should have further focus. Bangladesh is on its way to become a middle-income country within years, but its healthcare sector is yet to go a long way. The government should invest more in public hospital facilities and formulate strict rules so that general people can get treatment even in rural areas. Such steps will prove beneficial for people from all walks of life.

Md Mahedi Hasan

Department of Business Administration

East West University

mahedihasan.info@gmail.com