Only 57pc Bangladeshis have access to health care

Only 57 per cent of Bangladeshis have come under essential health service coverage, far below the UN sustainable goal of 80 per cent by 2025 and 100 per cent by 2030, according to a health ministry report.
An estimated Tk 2.28 trillion has been spent on health in the last 16 years since FY2008-09 with average annual growth of 12 per cent, but key goals like reducing maternal mortality and lowering adolescent births remain unmet.
The ministry revealed these issues with a proposal seeking Tk 43.89 billion to operate primary healthcare activities in the next five years as part of the proposed fifth Health Population and Nutrition Sector Program (HPNSP).
The report cited insufficient funds, manpower, infrastructure and equipment for poor health outcomes.
On the other hand, relevant experts and economists have pointed to inefficiency, lack of accountability and transparency in operations and development activities in the sector.
They said the public health sector in Bangladesh remained below 1.0 per cent of GDP (gross domestic product) for a period of decade, which is significantly lower, but the authorities failed to utilize the limited fund efficiently.
A major portion of the health spending goes for salaries and other operational expenditure. Developing building, procuring equipments are being priorities in the development budget for the sector, according to them.
"The issues in Bangladesh's health sector stem more from inefficiency and poor management than funding," said Dr Zahid Hussain, former lead economist at the World Bank's Dhaka office.
"Despite annual allocations falling short of needs, funds are often reduced in revised budgets, with significant portions remaining unspent," he added.
According to the noted economist, out-of-pocket health expenses are rising, intensifying hardships for low- and middle-income groups as government spending lags.
He blamed mismanagement, waste and corruption for this situation, with funds being diverted to buildings, vehicles and travel rather than core health services.
"Addressing these systemic problems is crucial to ensuring universal health coverage," observed Dr Hossain.
Data of the finance division shows that the health-sector spending reached Tk 233.17 billion last fiscal, which was 4.64 times higher than the spending of Tk 50.30 billion in fiscal year 2008-09.
The health ministry spent Tk 2.28 trillion in the past 16 years, with average growth of 12 per cent. However, an estimated 64 per cent of the amount was spent on non-development activities.
Prof Dr Mohammad Mainul Islam of the Department of Population Sciences at Dhaka University said the priority of the government has reduced over time on the health and population sectors.
He said the spending and campaign regarding child marriage, family planning, and awareness programme has reduced as well.
According to Dr Mainul, the population in the country is rising at a moderate rate, thereby pushing an increase in the number of old-age population.
He suggested that the government allocate increased funding with efficiency to ensure health coverage for old-age people.

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