How does the healthcare system work in Bangladesh?

What is the quality of healthcare in Bangladesh?

• Bangladesh is working hard in the field of healthcare. Unfortunately, the healthcare system still has many problems and there is too little funding for it.
• Healthcare in Bangladesh is therefore often substandard compared to what many foreigners are used to. It is therefore wise to prepare yourself well for a move to Bangladesh. This also includes choosing a good international insurance, because there is a good chance that you will have to seek help abroad.
• Most wealthy Bangladeshis and emigrants opt for private healthcare or healthcare in, for example, India or Thailand.
• One of the problems in Bangladesh is that healthcare is too expensive for the poorer population. Despite the fact that public healthcare is free, people still have to pay for tests and medicines.
• The best facilities can be found in the capital Dhaka. In the countryside, facilities are often absent or very limited.
• Two well-known hospitals are the United and Apollo hospitals in Dhaka. Most people register here.
• There are pharmacies that are open 24/7. Many medicines are available without a prescription, but the quality varies. Counterfeit and unmedicated medicines are also a problem. It is best to choose a pharmacy that is affiliated with a private hospital.
• The emergency number for an ambulance is 199, the general emergency number is 999. In remote areas you may need a local number. 

How does the public healthcare system work in Bangladesh?

• Bangladesh has a public healthcare system of hospitals and clinics that provide free care to residents. The system is run by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
• Unfortunately, the system is accompanied by long waiting times and very limited facilities and treatments.
• Public healthcare is also not free for foreigners. The costs are generally lower than in private healthcare, but foreigners living in Bangladesh generally opt for private healthcare.

How does the private healthcare system work in Bangladesh?

• Private healthcare is much better in Bangladesh. There are hospitals and clinics that can provide good care with modern facilities. These can mainly be found in the large cities.
• It is likely that in the event of serious injuries/illnesses medical evacuation abroad will be done.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Bangladesh?

• General practitioners are not as common as in some western countries.
• As a foreigner, it is easiest to find a general practitioner at a private clinic or hospital. It is also common to go directly to a specialist.

How is the dentist arranged in Bangladesh?

• Public dental care is minimal and not of good quality. Little attention is paid to oral hygiene, probably also because of the costs.
• In private healthcare, oral care is much better. Here you can easily go for dental care of the same quality as in more developed countries, but for a fraction of the price. Most clinics can be found in Dhaka.
• Only in the field of stem cell therapy and materials for fillings does Bangladesh lag behind other countries.
• Discuss with reliable sources which clinics are good, not every clinic is of good quality.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Bangladesh?

• Only slightly more than half of births in Bangladesh are attended by a healthcare worker. Particularly in rural areas, there is little care, and if there are healthcare workers, they are usually male. This forms a barrier for local women to seek help.
• Many births take place at home, and therefore often without professional help. As a result, maternal mortality is relatively high (although it has fallen considerably in the past 20 years).
• As a foreigner or wealthy Bangladeshi, you can get maternity care at private clinics and hospitals. The Apollo Hospital is popular for this and offers good care.
• However, pregnancy in Bangladesh also comes with many (health) risks, for example from drinking water, food, mosquitoes, etc. Especially in the case of a complicated pregnancy, it is wise to find out in advance where and whether you can get good care, or to possibly spend the pregnancy in another country. In Bangladesh there is a procedure called “Menstrual Regulation” which can be performed up to 10-12 weeks after the last menstrual period. This is a form of abortion.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Bangladesh?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Bangladesh?

• Bangladesh has a history of political unrest, protests and violence. It has become quieter in recent years, but it is still wise to stay informed about the current situation before and during your stay in Bangladesh.
• Furthermore, the country is quite safe in terms of crime, although it does occur, especially in busy areas.
• Be aware of “phone snatching”, where a phone can be snatched from your hands in public, especially from a scooter.
• Homosexuality is illegal and punishable and open expression is not tolerated.
• Floods and cyclones are common and can be very severe, especially during the rainy season (June-October).
• As a woman, it may be wise to wear modest clothing to avoid being harassed.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Bangladesh?

• Tuberculosis is common in Bangladesh. It is wise to pay close attention to symptoms and take action in time to prevent infecting others. There is also a high risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria. Take precautions such as wearing body-covering clothing and using mosquito repellent.
• Visit a vaccination doctor for the most up-to-date vaccination advice.
• Drinking water is unsafe and food hygiene is generally poor. Make sure you eat well-cooked food and only drink bottled or boiled water.
• Air pollution in Dhaka can be extreme and cause breathing problems, especially for people with respiratory problems.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Bangladesh?

• The most common complaint stories are about the chaos of traffic in Dhaka. The city has one of the worst traffic problems in the world. Traffic laws are not followed and accidents are common due to congested roads, old vehicles and poor infrastructure.
• Many drivers do not have a driving licence or proper training.
• The main roads are reasonable, but rural roads are often very poorly maintained.
• Flooding and monsoon rains make the roads even more dangerous. Domestic flights are better for long distances than trains or buses. These are cheap, but overcrowded and sometimes unsafe.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Bangladesh?

• Is the trip to Bangladesh and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Bangladesh if you are going to live there for a while?

• As a foreigner living in Bangladesh, international insurance is a must. Private care is of good quality, but expensive. There is also a good chance that medical evacuation or repatriation will be necessary in serious cases.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.