The rising cost of healthcare in Bangladesh poses a serious challenge for the general public, many of whom rely on government hospitals for affordable services.
Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), along with facilities like Suhrawardy Hospital and the Dhaka Children’s Hospital, is often the first line of care for a population that cannot afford private treatment.
Yet despite offering lower-cost services, these hospitals frequently leave patients dissatisfied, prompting them to seek alternative options in private hospitals despite the financial strain.
Resource Constraints in Public Hospitals
Brigadier General Asaduzzaman Khan, Director of DMCH, openly acknowledges the difficulties faced by public healthcare facilities, citing high patient volumes and limited resources as significant hurdles.
“Demand far exceeds our capacity,” he said, noting that public hospitals like DMCH operate under considerable pressure, leading to overcrowding, long wait times, and shortages of essential resources.
With a population largely reliant on these services, patients are often forced to endure cramped wards, extended delays, and varying levels of staff engagement.
The impact of these conditions on patients is profound.
Milon Haque, a small business owner admitted to DMCH, shared his experience of inadequate care due to the overwhelming number of patients. “I had several health complications, but I couldn’t get timely attention from the doctors,” he explained, describing not only the delays but also the poor facilities and unprofessional conduct of certain staff members.
The lack of proper care ultimately drove him to seek treatment at a private clinic, stretching his limited budget.
For Milon, private care is a considerable financial burden, but one he feels compelled to bear given the circumstances.
This story resonates with many, particularly parents with young children who seek treatment at Dhaka Children’s Hospital.
A couple recently took their two-year-old daughter, Mahi, there, only to leave in search of a private hospital when they could not secure a bed.
“I don’t know how long we can bear the expense, but my child’s health is my priority,” Mahi’s father explained. This desperate choice between personal finances and essential care is one that many families face when navigating the public healthcare system.
Appeal of Private Healthcare
Private hospitals, while expensive, offer a contrasting experience that attracts those willing to make financial sacrifices. Patients generally report higher satisfaction with the quality of private hospital services and facilities, even though these options come at a steep price.
Enamul Karim, 58, recently received treatment at a private hospital and described it as a positive experience, noting that it felt vastly different from the challenges he encountered in public hospitals.
“Doctors in government hospitals are incredibly skilled, but due to the volume of patients, we often miss out on direct services. Many of them have private practices, and while expensive, it’s often preferable to go there,” Enamul explained.
This sentiment is echoed across various socio-economic backgrounds. For many, the decision to choose private care stems from a need for reliable and timely attention that government hospitals, under pressure to serve large numbers of people, struggle to provide.
Rising Out-of-Pocket Expenditures
The Directorate General of Health Services' Health Economics Unit reports a troubling trend: out-of-pocket health expenditure has surged to around 69 percent in Bangladesh as of 2020.
Pharmaceuticals constitute a significant portion of these expenses, followed by diagnostics and other medical services.
The general economic downturn and rising cost of living have only exacerbated the situation, making healthcare unaffordable for many.
Public health experts are alarmed by this rising expenditure, which forces individuals to choose between financial security and essential health services. Delaying care due to financial concerns can lead to worsened health conditions and higher long-term treatment costs.
Besides, “out-of-pocket health expenses” encompass non-medical costs that impact productivity, lost wages, and transportation expenses, which, though often overlooked, place a heavy burden on individuals and families alike.
Health economics research categorises these expenses into three groups: direct medical (costs of healthcare resources), direct non-medical (costs like transportation and caregiver support), and indirect (lost productivity).
These expenses cumulatively create an enormous economic burden that impacts families and the wider society. Comprehensive evaluations of healthcare costs, including non-medical expenses, are essential to understanding the true financial impact of the current system.
Structural Inequities in Bangladesh’s Healthcare System
Bangladesh’s healthcare infrastructure encompasses over 3,976 public facilities and 975 private hospitals and clinics.
Yet, despite this extensive network, public healthcare usage remains low due to system inefficiencies and lack of resources. Research by the Centre for International Epidemiological Training (CIET) found that only 13% of Bangladeshis use government services, while 27% turn to private or NGO services.
Alarmingly, a large majority – 60% – resort to unqualified providers due to accessibility and affordability concerns.
A study led by Syed Saad Andaleeb of Pennsylvania State University suggests that the economic framework within which these hospitals operate impacts service quality.
Public hospitals operate under constrained government budgets, whereas private hospitals are incentivised by client fees, motivating them to provide higher-quality care to attract and retain patients.
This dynamic results in a significant disparity, pushing many people to seek out private facilities despite the cost.
A Growing Call for Healthcare Reform
The stories emerging from DMCH and similar institutions underscore the urgent need for systemic reform.
Addressing the barriers to quality care requires strategic shifts in resource allocation, improvements in patient management, and enhanced staff training within public healthcare facilities.
Policymakers and healthcare professionals are increasingly calling for reforms to bridge the gap between public and private healthcare services, easing the financial strain on patients while providing accessible, quality care.
Efforts to address out-of-pocket expenses and promote affordable healthcare align with the goals of the "Health Care Financing Strategy 2012-32."
This strategy envisions a healthcare system where financial constraints do not dictate access to quality medical treatment. With the right reforms, Bangladesh can make strides toward this goal, ensuring that affordable healthcare becomes a reality for its citizens.
As Bangladesh moves forward on its development journey, the stories of individuals like Milon and Mahi’s family highlight a pressing challenge: securing accessible, high-quality healthcare for all.
Public hospitals like DMCH, the backbone of the national healthcare system, play a vital role in this endeavour.
