Making healthcare self-reliant

In the past, India was a preferred destination for advanced-level medical treatment. However, visiting India has become complicated due to India's visa restrictions in recent months. This has left many Bangladeshi patients in a difficult position, as they face limited access to specialised care. In light of this, the interim government should focus on overhauling Bangladesh's healthcare system to achieve self-reliance in medical care and conserve foreign currency.
To do this, the government should take immediate steps to attract foreign investments in hospitals through public-private partnerships and facilitate visits by international medical delegations. The process should involve fewer bureaucratic hurdles and faster construction timelines, similar to the makeshift hospitals in China, which can provide advanced care in minimal time. Additionally, the government should establish affordable, world-class medical facilities akin to those in Thailand and other nearby countries.
Building a robust healthcare infrastructure would not only address the current challenges but also reduce dependency on foreign medical systems, ensuring a more secure and accessible future for patients. Furthermore, investing in medical education and research could create a pipeline of highly skilled healthcare professionals, contributing to long-term sustainability and excellence in the sector.
The process for obtaining medical visas should be simplified by reducing paperwork, easing the burden on patients.

Rafid Alam
Administrator, All in One Tech,
Bashundhara city, Dhaka
[email protected]