The report revealed that essential medicines were available in only 22% of public health facilities on average and nearly 40% of sanctioned medical technologist posts remain vacant.
Health minister speaking at the launch of a joint study on Bangladesh’s public healthcare system. Photo: Courtesy
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Health minister speaking at the launch of a joint study on Bangladesh’s public healthcare system. Photo: Courtesy
Bangladesh’s public health system is failing to convert allocated budgets into quality healthcare services because of governance weaknesses, procedural bottlenecks and institutional inefficiencies rather than a lack of funding, according to a new study by the Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC).
The findings were unveiled today (29 July) at the International Mother Language Institute at an event organised by the Health Economics Unit (HEU) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain attended the event as chief guest.
The study, titled Bridging Gaps in Bangladesh’s Public Health System, assessed 22 public health facilities across all eight divisions and reviewed budget implementation and procurement records for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
It found that 94% of surveyed facilities ended the fiscal year with unspent funds despite persistent shortages of medicines, diagnostic services and skilled personnel. Overall budget utilisation stood at 85%, with secondary-level facilities recording the lowest implementation rate.
The report also revealed that essential medicines were available in only 22% of public health facilities on average, while diagnostic and imaging services were frequently disrupted by shortages of reagents, non-functional equipment and a lack of trained personnel. Nearly 40% of sanctioned medical technologist posts remain vacant.
Presenting the findings, PPRC Executive Chairman Hossain Zillur Rahman said Bangladesh’s key challenge is not increasing health allocations but strengthening institutions to ensure public funds are translated into reliable healthcare services.
He recommended recruiting more medical technologists, simplifying procurement procedures, strengthening digital monitoring and, in the longer term, establishing a dedicated health management cadre and modernising the public medicine supply system.
Speaking at the event, Health Minister Sakhawat stressed that meaningful reform depends on integrity and accountability across the health system.
“Access to healthcare is a constitutional right of the people. To deliver effective health policies and quality services, we must strengthen honesty, accountability and commitment throughout the health system,” he said.
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