The present government has made the development of the health sector a top priority. The 8th Five-Year Plan highlights “Human Health is Development” as one of its six main themes. To prevent the recurrence of Covid-19, numerous precautionary measures have been taken, including the preparation of 16 national guidelines, 4 SOPs, and 13 public awareness materials. Covid-19 dedicated hospitals have been equipped with 12,860 beds and 1,186 ICUs. Additionally, at least five beds have been allocated for Covid patients in hospitals at the district and upazila levels. Covid-19 testing is conducted through RT-PCR in 162 laboratories and in 666 Covid-19 antigen test centres nationwide.
The government has continued its efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the health sector, building upon the success of providing affordable and quality healthcare services for all and meeting the Millennium Development Goals. The Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) has witnessed significant expansion, with the vaccination coverage increasing from 2 per cent of children in 1985 to 94 per cent at present. Moreover, a ‘National Adolescent Health Strategy’ has been approved for the period 2017-2030, aiming to reduce the adolescent birth rate to the desired level, and work is underway to develop a national action plan.
The establishment of 14,384 community clinics has proven to be an effective approach to delivering healthcare services directly to marginalised communities. Since the government took office in 1996, the programme aimed to establish a total of 18,000 community clinics, ensuring one clinic for every 6,000 people across the country. The first community clinic was established in Tungipara, Gopalganj, in 2000.
Infrastructure development and expansion efforts in the health sector have included upgrading several upazila health complexes from 50 to 100 beds and six district headquarters hospitals from 100 to 250 beds. The number of beds has also significantly increased in various healthcare centres such as Chattogram Medical College Hospital, National Heart Institute and Hospital, and National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital. The government has initiated programmes to provide medical services to the brave freedom fighters and has established a ‘Skin Bank’ at the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.
As part of the Perspective Plan 2021-2041, the government is working to improve the quantity and quality of healthcare professionals in the health, nutrition, and population sectors through the Health Education Programme. In accordance with the National Health Policy 2011 and the Perspective Plan, there is a focus on enhancing and modernising medical and nursing education.
Publication Period: 2023