Bangladesh’s healthcare sector is set for a major transformation as the government moves ahead with a wide-ranging reform agenda that includes a record health budget, digital health services, large-scale recruitment and the expansion of specialized hospitals across the country.
The proposed FY2026-27 national budget and a series of recent government initiatives outline a comprehensive strategy aimed at building a more accessible, preventive and technology-driven healthcare system while reducing the financial burden on patients.
Record Health Budget
At the heart of the reform programme is a significant increase in healthcare spending.
The government has proposed an allocation of Tk 69,409 crore for the health sector in FY2026-27, almost double the revised allocation of Tk 35,477 crore in the outgoing fiscal year.
The allocation represents approximately 1.01 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and reflects the government’s commitment to gradually increasing health expenditure.
Presenting the budget in Parliament, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury described healthcare investment as a key pillar of human resource development and national prosperity.
Shift Toward Preventive Healthcare
A major feature of the government’s healthcare strategy is a shift from treatment-focused healthcare toward prevention, early diagnosis and community-based services.
Under the plan, modern primary healthcare units will gradually be established in every union and urban ward across the country.
These facilities will be supported by community clinics and trained health workers providing preventive healthcare, maternal and child health services, nutrition support and basic treatment at the grassroots level.
Officials expect the initiative to reduce pressure on hospitals, improve access to healthcare in underserved areas and lower out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
Recruitment of Doctors and Health Workers
Workforce expansion has emerged as another key priority.
The government has announced the recruitment of 5,000 MBBS doctors to fill vacant positions in hospitals and healthcare institutions.
In addition, plans are underway to recruit 100,000 health workers across the country, with women expected to make up around 80 percent of the workforce.
The expanded workforce is expected to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services, disease prevention programmes and community-based healthcare delivery.
Authorities have also created additional nursing and midwifery positions to support the expansion.
Digital Health Card Programme
Digital transformation is set to play a central role in the future healthcare system.
Under the government’s universal health coverage framework, citizens will gradually receive digital Health Cards linked to an Integrated Patient Management and Referral System.
The platform will allow healthcare providers to access treatment histories, diagnostic reports and prescriptions from any healthcare facility connected to the system.
Health experts believe the initiative will improve continuity of care, reduce duplication of medical procedures and strengthen accountability throughout the healthcare network.
Medical Education Reforms
The government’s reform agenda also includes major changes to medical education and human resource development.
A modern competency-based MBBS curriculum incorporating artificial intelligence and advanced clinical training methods is expected to be introduced by 2030.
Officials say the reforms are designed to prepare future physicians for emerging healthcare challenges while aligning medical education with international standards.
The government also plans to introduce student loan and bank loan facilities for medical and dental students and provide financial support for talented students pursuing higher education abroad.
At the same time, academic buildings, laboratories, libraries, dormitories and training facilities at government medical colleges are set to be upgraded.
Lower Treatment Costs
The proposed budget includes measures aimed at reducing treatment costs for patients suffering from chronic diseases.
The government has withdrawn taxes and VAT on heart stents, dialysis filters and several other critical medical products.
Officials estimate that the price of heart stents could decrease by up to Tk 20,000, while dialysis costs may fall by around Tk 800 per session.
Healthcare analysts say these measures could provide significant relief to thousands of patients and help reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Five New Children’s Hospitals
One of the most significant ongoing initiatives is the operationalisation of five specialized 200-bed children’s hospitals in Khulna, Barishal, Rangpur, Rajshahi and Cumilla.
According to the Health Ministry, the hospitals are expected to begin operations within the next six months.
The facilities will feature intensive care units (ICUs), central air-conditioning systems and advanced diagnostic services.
Officials believe the hospitals will significantly improve pediatric healthcare services outside Dhaka and reduce the need for families to travel to the capital for specialized treatment.
The procurement of furniture and medical equipment has largely been completed and recruitment activities are underway.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain recently said the hospitals would provide quality specialized care closer to patients’ homes.
Building a More Accessible Healthcare System
The government’s healthcare agenda combines increased investment, workforce expansion, digital transformation, medical education reforms, lower treatment costs and improved healthcare infrastructure.
Officials hope these initiatives will create a healthcare system that is more equitable, efficient and responsive to citizens’ needs while ensuring that quality healthcare services become increasingly accessible regardless of location or income level.
