Access to quality healthcare is a basic human right, yet for millions in Bangladesh, it remains a distant dream. High costs of medical tests, doctor consultations, and medicines have made treatment unaffordable for many. As a result, people of all ages-children, youth, and the elderly-suffer needlessly. Out-of-pocket health expenditure in Bangladesh remains one of the highest in the world, pushing thousands of families into poverty each year. Even in emergencies, many patients hesitate to seek care due to fear of financial ruin, often relying on self-medication or unqualified practitioners.
In a lower-middle-income country like ours, government hospitals should serve as a lifeline for the public, as they do in many developed nations. Unfortunately, facilities such as Dhaka Medical College Hospital often face a shortage of doctors, unhygienic conditions and poor patient management. In some cases, patients leave in worse condition than they arrived. Overcrowding, long waiting times, and inadequate equipment further discourage people from using public healthcare services. To address this, the government must allocate a greater share of the national budget to the health sector.
Among 51 lower-middle-income countries, Bangladesh ranks 48th in terms of health budget allocation. For comparison, Bhutan allocates 8.05 per cent of its budget to health, while Bangladesh allocates only 3.32 per cent. The low allocation must be addressed urgently if we aim to provide universal, affordable healthcare.
Another pressing issue is the inconsistent pricing of medicines across different companies. This lack of regulation places an unfair burden on low-income families. While the Directorate General of Drug Administration monitors the sector, there is a need for stricter enforcement and clear policies to ensure medicines are sold at uniform, government-fixed prices across all pharmacies. Without price controls, even essential drugs become inaccessible to the poor, undermining public health efforts.
Healthcare is not merely about treating illness; it is closely tied to quality of life, economic productivity, and national development. A healthy population is better equipped to contribute to the economy and participate in civic life. Therefore, investing in health is not a luxury but a necessity. As the government prepares the 2025-26 national budget, it must prioritise the well-being of its people, following a thoughtful and inclusive strategy.
Fiad Nowshad Yeamin
Student, Department of Media, Communication and Journalism
Canadian University of Bangladesh
nowshadyeamin415@gmail.com
