Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, the healthcare system is categorised into primary, secondary and tertiary care, with major contributions from the government, supported by the private sector, and NGOs. This country has made substantial progress in reducing child mortality and increasing life expectancy. Bangladesh faces challenges of lack of funds in the public sector, a shortage of skilled manpower, and overdependency on out-of-pocket payments. The private healthcare sector is rapidly growing, and the pharmaceutical industry is becoming self-reliant with a focus on exports.
System Structure and Providers:
Government: Provides primary, secondary, and tertiary care, but public facilities are often underfunded and understaffed, leading to lower quality of care.
Private: Plays a large role in service delivery, especially with modern facilities and specialized care, but this is often expensive and unaffordable for many.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Crucial in delivering priority services, particularly in maternal and child care, and are integral to community health programs.
Some of the Healthcare Gaps in Bangladesh:
Healthcare in Bangladesh faces a multitude of challenges that affect millions of people every day. The impact of these systemic issues is felt most acutely by the nation’s vulnerable communities, who often have limited access to quality medical care. Some of them are listed below:
1. Inadequate Doctor-Patient Ratio
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended ratio of 22.8 doctors per 10,000 population (Bangladesh Health Bulletin, 2022).Bangladesh has only 7 doctors available for every 10,000 people.The shortage is not just about numbers; it directly translates to poorer health outcomes and a lack of timely medical interventions, making it a critical barrier to healthcare accessibility.
2. Overburdened Tertiary Hospitals
On average, a doctor in Bangladesh spends just 48 seconds with a patient (Irving G. et al, 2017). This minimal consultation time not only affects diagnosis and treatment accuracy but also leads to patient dissatisfaction and the perpetuation of poor health outcomes. This is due to the fact even for minor ailments, patients are reaching tertiary care hospitals due to the poor primary and secondary healthcare infrastructure.
3. Proliferation of Unregulated Pharmacies and Diagnostic Centers
Unregulated pharmacies and diagnostic centers are another significant problem, undermining public health efforts. The lack of regulation not only jeopardizes patient safety but also erodes public trust in the healthcare system, making it even more challenging for individuals to seek appropriate care.
4. Reactive Health-Seeking Behavior
In Bangladesh, a culture of reactive health-seeking behavior prevails. Most people seek medical attention only after symptoms have worsened, often leading to late-stage diagnoses, disease progression, and increased treatment complexity. This reactive approach, rather than preventive care, results in higher healthcare costs, a longer duration of illness, and a greater burden on an already strained healthcare system.
5. High Out-of-Pocket Expenditures
One of the most critical barriers to healthcare in Bangladesh is the high cost borne by individuals. With no comprehensive health financing or insurance systems in place, out-of-pocket expenses account for a staggering 74% of all health expenditures in the country (WHO, 2023).
6. Lack of Micro-Level Digital Health Integration
While the health system in Bangladesh has seen some digitization efforts in recent years, they largely operate at a macro level, focusing on district-based information rather than individual patient data (UNICEF, 2019). The absence of micro-level health information systems, such as Electronic Health Records (EHR), limits the ability to track patient histories, improve continuity of care, and make data-driven decisions.
India & UAE as a Medical Value Travel Destination:
India: India remains the most popular destination for Bangladeshi medical tourists, especially for procedures such as organ transplants, heart surgeries, orthopedic surgeries, and cancer treatments. The cost-effective nature of care in India, combined with the availability of high-quality medical infrastructure, makes it appealing to them. In particular, Indian hospitals offer services at a fraction of the cost of treatments in the West, while maintaining global healthcare standards.
United Arab Emirates (UAE): Dubai and Abu Dhabi are increasingly popular among the affluent in Bangladesh. The UAE’s appeal lies in the luxury of its medical services, privacy, and the allure of combining medical care with leisure activities. Many of the top-tier hospitals in the UAE also employ international specialists, creating a trusted environment for Bangladeshi patients seeking care abroad.
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Key Medical Procedures Sought by Bangladeshi Medical Tourists
Several medical procedures are in high demand among Bangladeshis traveling abroad. These include:
Cardiovascular surgeries: Heart-related conditions are a leading cause of medical travel. Bangladeshi hospitals often lack the specialized equipment and trained personnel to handle complex heart surgeries, prompting patients to seek treatment in countries like India and the UAE.
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Oncological treatments: Cancer care, especially in advanced stages, is a significant driver of medical tourism. Many Bangladeshi patients travel to India or the UAE, for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other cancer treatments.
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Orthopedic surgeries: Procedures like knee and hip replacements, often required by older patients or those with sports injuries, are frequently sought abroad due to the limited availability of such services at home.
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Fertility treatments: The rising demand for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility treatments has pushed Bangladeshis to seek options in the UAE, and India. Local facilities often lack the latest technologies or expertise to offer high success rates in fertility treatments.
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Organ transplants: Due to Bangladesh’s insufficient infrastructure for complex procedures like kidney and liver transplants, many patients turn to India and other international medical hubs for these life-saving operations.
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Medical Value Providers play a critical role in facilitating travel for Bangladeshi patients. These agencies assist in everything from visa applications to hospital appointments and accommodation arrangements. Notably, Indian hospitals have partnerships with local agencies in Bangladesh, which makes it easier for patients to navigate the process of seeking medical care abroad.
In recent years, there has been an increase in specialized medical tourism agencies catering to specific demographics, such as elite medical tourists or middle-class Bangladeshis seeking affordable care. These agencies also offer post-treatment follow-up services, which ensure that patients receive appropriate care upon their return to Bangladesh.
Challenges Faced by Bangladesh to seek Medical Treatment Abroad:
1. Financial Constraints
Medical travel can be financially prohibitive for many Bangladeshis. While those in the upper and middle classes can afford to seek treatment abroad, the costs associated with travel, medical procedures, and accommodation remain out of reach for many. The disparity in access to international medical services reflects broader socio-economic inequalities within the country.
2. Visa and Travel Restrictions
Bangladeshis face significant challenges in obtaining visas to some popular medical travel destinations. While countries like India and the UAE have relatively streamlined visa processes for medical tourists, other destinations, such as the US and UK, have stringent visa requirements. Travel restrictions, particularly those arising from diplomatic tensions or security concerns, also complicate access to foreign medical care.
3. Health Insurance Limitations
In Bangladesh, private health insurance coverage for international medical travel remains limited. Many Bangladeshis rely on out-of-pocket payments, and there are few comprehensive health insurance plans that cover the cost of treatment abroad. This places an additional financial burden on medical tourists, often requiring them to seek personal loans or other financing options.
4. Post-Treatment Follow-Up Care
While Bangladeshi patients may receive world-class treatment abroad, the lack of adequate follow-up care in Bangladesh often complicates recovery. Patients returning home may face challenges in finding local doctors to monitor their progress or continue necessary treatments.
Patient Expectations
Bangladeshi patients have high expectations when it comes to healthcare services. They seek providers who can deliver exceptional quality care, modern medical facilities, advanced technology, and highly skilled healthcare professionals. Moreover, Bangladeshi patients value personalized attention, transparent pricing, and efficient service delivery.
WHY HCI:
Healthcare International (HCI) is your trusted and valuable partner in every step of your medical treatment. Taking decisions for your medical condition and finding reliable information, choosing the right providers, and arranging logistics can be daunting. At HCI, we simplify this process by answering your questions, connecting you with world-class healthcare providers, and addressing your queries so you can focus on what matters: your health and recovery.
1. Helping You Find the Right Answers
Healthcare can be complex, and seeking treatment abroad adds an extra layer of uncertainty. HCI is here to address your key questions:
· Who is the most qualified doctor for my condition?
· Which hospital best suits my needs?
· How much will treatment cost?
· What are the success rates?
· What can I expect during recovery?
· How do I manage travel and logistics?
· Who will handle post-treatment follow-up?
2. How We Help
A. Finding the Right Doctor
Our global network of leading clinicians allows us to connect you with top specialists. We can even assemble a team to review your records and recommend the best treatment options. Video consultations are available if you’d like to discuss your condition directly with our doctors.
B. Choosing the Best Hospital
HCI partners with highly reputed hospitals in India, UAE, Egypt, ASEAN and Mauritius, all known for advanced technology and patient care. We guide you in selecting a facility that fits your specific medical needs.
C. Understanding Treatment Costs
To ensure transparency, we provide cost estimates from multiple hospitals, helping you make informed financial decisions. Countries like India and Egypt often offer high-quality care at a fraction of the cost, making treatment accessible and affordable.
D. Evaluating Success Rates
We share clinician profiles, patient testimonials, and information about treatment outcomes, so you know what to expect and can make confident choices about your healthcare.
E. Life After Surgery
With new technologies like minimally invasive, laser, and robotic surgery, recovery times are shorter, and outcomes are highly successful. We recommend the best procedures for your condition to support a fast and smooth recovery.
F. Starting the Process
Submit your medical reports via our form, and our team will reach out within 24 hours with a treatment plan, cost estimate, and other details. You’ll have a dedicated manager who will guide you through each step.
G. Handling Logistics
We manage logistics to make your experience as smooth as possible, including:
· Visa assistance and invitation letters
· Airport pickup and drop
· Accommodation bookings
· City orientation and recommended Apps for your stay
· Currency exchange and money transfer guidance
· Translation services
· Appointment scheduling and hospital coordination
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What Treatments Do We Specialize In?
With experience in over 50 specialties, HCI has supported patients from 125+ countries. Our specialties include:
· Brain and Spine Surgery
· Cardiac Sciences
· Cancer Treatment
· Transplants (Liver, Kidney, Bone Marrow)
· Orthopedics and Joint Replacement
· Urology and Gastroenterology
· Pediatrics
· Robotic Surgery
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Whether you’re a Bangladeshi seeking orthopedic care in the UAE or India, a family from West Africa seeking neurosciences care for a child in India, or an African pursuing transplant surgery, HCI is here to guide and support you every step of the way.
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HCI bridges the gap between you and the world’s best healthcare providers, empowering you with peace of mind and the confidence on your journey to recovery. We strive to be the #1 choice for patients worldwide seeking medical treatment abroad.
