How to Navigate the Health System in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a public and private healthcare system, with both providing quality medical care. The public healthcare system is called the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and is funded by the government. It is free for Bangladeshi citizens, but foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are not allowed to use the public healthcare system. The public healthcare system is used by locals, but foreigners typically use private hospitals. People generally recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Bangladesh are often overcrowded and lack the latest medical technology, but they are still able to provide quality care.

Bangladesh's Private Healthcare System

Bangladesh's private healthcare system is more expensive than the public system, but it is also more modern and efficient. Expats primarily use private hospitals, and people recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals in Bangladesh are well-equipped and have the latest medical technology. They also have more comfortable facilities and shorter wait times than public hospitals.

Bangladesh's Top Hospitals

The top hospitals in Bangladesh include:

• Apollo Hospitals Dhaka (private hospital in Dhaka)
• United Hospital (private hospital in Dhaka)
• Square Hospital (private hospital in Dhaka)
• Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (public hospital in Dhaka)
• Chittagong Medical College Hospital (public hospital in Chittagong)
• Khulna Medical College Hospital (public hospital in Khulna)

Health Insurance Companies in Bangladesh

The most popular private health insurers in Bangladesh are United Insurance Company, Pragati Insurance Company, and Reliance Insurance Company. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although some may opt for specialized expat health insurance providers.

Insider Tips from Expats in Bangladesh: How to Navigate the Health System

"Medical services in Bangladesh are generally of a good standard, with a range of both public and private hospitals and clinics available. The country has a number of well-trained doctors and nurses, and a variety of medical treatments and procedures are available. The government has also invested in improving the quality of healthcare in the country, with initiatives such as the introduction of free healthcare for the poor and the expansion of rural health services. In addition, Bangladesh has a number of specialized medical centers, such as the Bangladesh Institute of Child Health, which provide specialized care for children," commented one member living in Bangladesh.

"Healthcare services in Bangladesh are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is largely funded by the government and is available to all citizens of Bangladesh. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of a lower standard than private healthcare. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Bangladesh generally use the private healthcare system, as it is more reliable and of a higher quality than the public system. However, some expats may use the public healthcare system if they are unable to access private healthcare or if they are on a tight budget," commented one member living in Bangladesh.