516 more community clinics to be built, 5,080 facilities set for repairs, relocation

Bangladesh will see the establishment of 516 new community clinics, according to Md Akhtaruzzaman, managing director of the Community Clinic Health Support Trust.

On Wednesday, he said 5,080 community clinics currently in vulnerable condition will also be repaired or relocated.

Akhtaruzzaman explained that the new clinics will be funded by JICA, while OPEC will finance the repair and relocation projects.

“When the government originally planned community clinics, the aim was to have one for every 6,000 people or within a 30-minute walking distance. But in reality, that has not been possible in all areas,” he said.

“In hilly regions, haor wetlands, and Char areas, a single clinic often serves 10,000 to 15,000 people. Staff there struggle to provide adequate healthcare. To fill this gap, we are expanding the network of community clinics.”

Land for new clinics is donated by local benefactors, with construction and medical services provided by the government.

Akhtaruzzaman said applications for clinics are being received nationwide.

“Donors willing to provide land can submit a notarised undertaking on a Tk 300 stamp. We prioritise these applications to quickly establish clinics in underserved areas, opening new horizons for healthcare in remote regions.”

Bangladesh currently has 14,467 community clinics. Each is staffed by a community health care provider (CHCP), a health assistant, and a family planning assistant who provide services two days a week. Activities are managed by community groups of 13–17 members, and there are currently 13,923 CHCPs nationwide.