Equitable access to primary healthcare remains a major challenge: UN discussion

Equitable access to primary healthcare services remains a major challenge in Bangladesh despite some progress in the health service in the country, a roundtable discussion, organised by UN body, said on Thursday.

The discussion titled “Primary Healthcare Challenges in Bangladesh” also observed that Bangladesh faces a shortage of healthcare workers with only 61pc population having access to basic healthcare services.

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Bangladesh hosted the 10th episode of 'SDG Café', a monthly roundtable discussion series dedicated to addressing pressing development challenges and co-creating innovative solutions.

The Covid-19 pandemic has further underscored the importance of robust and accessible primary healthcare services. It has laid bare existing disparities and vulnerabilities within the healthcare system, highlighting the urgent need for innovative approaches and collaborative efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery, said speakers at the event.  

The World Bank estimates that Bangladesh has a density of only 0.8 doctors per 1,000 people, which is far below the WHO recommendation of 4.45 doctors per 1,000 people.

Public health expert Dr Be-Nazir Ahmed, Coordinator of the Bangladesh TA Project at the Mérieux Foundation under the French Development Agency (AFD), presented the keynote speech at the discussion.  

"We are at a pivotal moment in healthcare, where the convergence of innovation and dedication can reshape the landscape of primary healthcare in Bangladesh," he said in his presentation.

According to the World Bank, as of 2022, only 61 per cent of the population in Bangladesh had access to basic healthcare services, indicating a significant gap in the coverage.

Communicable diseases such as diarrhoea, pneumonia, and tuberculosis continue to pose significant challenges to public health, with non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular ailments on the rise, he added.

“A crucial element is strengthening bio-safety practices within healthcare facilities. This safeguards both patients and healthcare workers from infectious diseases, which are a major public health concern in Bangladesh,” he continued.  

The Partnerships and Program Development Manager of UNOPS in Bangladesh, Berhanu Assefa Tegegne acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the crucial need for collaborative efforts.

In 2021, the infant mortality rate in Bangladesh was 24 deaths per 1,000 live births, and the under-five mortality rate was 38 deaths per 1,000 live births. These rates, while improved from previous years, are still above the global averages, he added.

“With data indicating that around 80 per cent of healthcare in Bangladesh is provided by the private sector, there's a critical need for strategic partnerships and innovative solutions to strengthen the public healthcare system,” he mentioned.

Through collaborative efforts and leveraging technology, we can enhance healthcare delivery, improve infrastructure, and empower communities towards a healthier future, he said. 

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