{"id":34838,"date":"2026-06-14T07:40:19","date_gmt":"2026-06-14T07:40:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thebangladeshtoday.com\/?p=34838"},"modified":"2026-06-14T07:42:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-14T07:42:15","slug":"budget-on-the-path-to-universal-health-coverage-opportunities-and-challenges-iqbal-masud","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thebangladeshtoday.com\/?p=34838","title":{"rendered":"Budget on the Path to Universal Health Coverage: Opportunities and Challenges"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Iqbal Masud:<\/strong> Bangladesh\u2019s health sector has long faced numerous challenges, including limited investment relative to population needs, shortages of skilled health professionals, weak infrastructure, limited medicine supply, and high out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures. In this context, the proposed allocation of BDT 69,309 crore for the health sector in the national budget for FY 2026\u201327 represents a landmark step forward. In the previous fiscal year, the allocation stood at approximately BDT 34,719 crore. This means that the health budget has nearly doubled within a year, and for the first time in the country\u2019s history, health expenditure has exceeded 1 percent of GDP, reaching 1.1 percent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is not merely a budget increase; it reflects the government\u2019s commitment and political will to ensure healthcare for all citizens. However, while increasing allocations is important, ensuring the effective, transparent, and people-centered utilization of these resources is even more critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under the vision of \u201cHealth for All,\u201d the government has earmarked BDT 27,600 crore specifically for advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC), making it one of the most significant initiatives in the country\u2019s health sector history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the government\u2019s plan, a primary healthcare unit based on the General Practitioner (GP) model will be established in every union and one or more units in each urban ward. These facilities are expected to provide maternal and child healthcare, treatment for common illnesses, mental health services, services for women, older persons, and persons with disabilities, as well as essential medicines. Trained health workers will be recruited to support service delivery. At the same time, Upazila Health Complexes are expected to be strengthened through 24-hour ambulance services, digital referral systems, and improved access to specialist consultations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another significant initiative is the introduction of an e-Health Card as part of the country\u2019s digital health transformation agenda. This system will allow patients\u2019 medical histories, diagnostic records, and medication information to be accessed from any hospital or clinic across the country. Such a system can improve continuity and quality of care while reducing unnecessary tests and healthcare expenditures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The government has also announced plans to recruit nearly 100,000 healthcare workers, of whom approximately 80 percent are expected to be women. This initiative has the potential not only to strengthen healthcare services but also to contribute significantly to women\u2019s employment and economic empowerment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The increased health allocation is undoubtedly commendable. However, people\u2019s expectations extend beyond budget announcements. Citizens want to see doctors available at public hospitals, essential medicines in stock, reduced waiting times for diagnostic services, and lower out-of-pocket expenses for treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At present, many patients are forced to purchase medicines from private pharmacies due to shortages in public facilities. In many hospitals, sophisticated medical equipment remains underutilized because of inadequate human resources and poor maintenance. Therefore, people expect the benefits of this increased allocation to be reflected directly in improved service quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rural populations, in particular, hope that strengthened healthcare services at union and upazila levels will reduce the need to travel to major cities for treatment and ensure access to quality healthcare closer to home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The major challenge, however, lies in implementation and governance. Historically, one of the biggest weaknesses of Bangladesh\u2019s health sector has not been the lack of resources but rather shortcomings in effective implementation and accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Past experiences show that allocated funds are often not fully utilized. Delays in project implementation, procurement complexities, weak coordination, and, in some cases, corruption and inefficiencies prevent citizens from receiving the expected benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To ensure successful implementation of the new budget, several priorities deserve particular attention:<\/p>\n\n\n\n