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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Bangladesh | Expat Exchange
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Pinapple Sellers in Dhaka, Bangladesh

15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Bangladesh

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Feb 06, 2024

Summary: The quality of medical care in Bangladesh is generally lower than in the United States. While there are some excellent hospitals and medical facilities in Bangladesh, the overall quality of care is not as high as in the US. Emergency services in Bangladesh are limited and often unreliable. To call for an ambulance, you can contact the local police or fire department, or you can call a private ambulance service.

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How are healthcare services Bangladesh?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Bangladesh, they replied:

"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," said an expat in Bangladesh.

What are medical services in Bangladesh like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Bangladesh, they replied:

"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," said one expat.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Bangladesh?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Bangladesh can be expensive for some people. The cost of medical care and health insurance can vary depending on the type of care needed and the provider. In general, healthcare is more expensive in urban areas than in rural areas, and the cost of health insurance can be high for those who are not covered by a government-sponsored health insurance program. Additionally, the cost of medications can be high, and many people in Bangladesh are unable to afford the necessary treatments," wrote an expat living in Bangladesh.

What are emergency services like in Bangladesh?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Bangladesh wrote:

"Emergency services in Bangladesh are provided by the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence, the Bangladesh Police, and the Bangladesh Army. In order to call for an ambulance, one can dial the emergency number 999, which is a toll-free number. The ambulance service is free of charge and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The ambulance service is provided by the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence and is equipped with medical personnel and necessary medical equipment," said one expat living in Bangladesh.

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Bangladesh is home to a wide range of medical specialists, offering high quality care. In Bangladesh, some of the cities with the most renowned specialists include Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Rajshahi, and Barisal. In addition, some of the rural areas in the country that are known for having a good selection of medical specialists include Rangamati, Kishoreganj, Thakurgaon, Patuakhali, and Mymensingh," remarked one expat living in Bangladesh.

Are common prescription medications available in Bangladesh?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Bangladesh. Most medications are available through pharmacies, although some may require a prescription from a doctor. The government also provides free or subsidized medications for those who cannot afford them. In addition, there are a number of online pharmacies that offer medications at discounted prices," remarked one expat in Bangladesh.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Bangladesh?

"Medical facilities and medical care in Bangladesh has come a long way in recent years. In the past, medical resources were limited and very few doctors were trained in specialized fields. However, with the help of international organizations and investment from the government, more hospitals and clinics have been established with well-equipped infrastructure and personnel. This has improved the quality of care available for people in the country. The improved facilities are enabling doctors to diagnose and treat a growing number of serious medical conditions, ranging from cancer and HIV/AIDS to tuberculosis and rare genetic disorders. Despite this progress, Bangladesh still faces many healthcare challenges, including lack of adequate health infrastructure, limited access to specialized care and a shortage of medical personnel," remarked one expat living in Bangladesh.

As a foreigner living in Bangladesh, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, foreigners living in Bangladesh have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the region, but generally the public healthcare system is adequate for basic medical needs. The government has invested in improving the quality of care in recent years, and there are a number of private hospitals and clinics that offer higher quality services. In general, the public healthcare system is affordable and accessible, although it may not be as comprehensive as in other countries," said one expat living in Bangladesh.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Bangladesh if they have access to public healthcare in Bangladesh. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Bangladesh. The government has taken steps to ensure that the healthcare system is able to cope with the increased demand for services, including increasing the number of beds in hospitals and providing additional medical supplies. However, the healthcare system is still struggling to meet the needs of the population, with many people unable to access the care they need. The government has also implemented measures to reduce the spread of the virus, such as closing schools and public places, and encouraging people to stay at home. Despite these efforts, the pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Bangladesh, with many people unable to access the care they need," said one expat.

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Bangladesh?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Bangladesh about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"It is important to research the healthcare system in Bangladesh before having a baby there. Make sure to find a reliable doctor or midwife who is experienced in delivering babies in Bangladesh. It is also important to be aware of the cultural norms and expectations surrounding childbirth in Bangladesh. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations regarding birth registration and citizenship in Bangladesh. Finally, it is important to be prepared for the cost of having a baby in Bangladesh, as medical costs can be high," remarked one in Bangladesh.

Are healthcare services good in Bangladesh?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Bangladesh. They wrote:

"Healthcare services in Bangladesh are generally of a lower quality than in more developed countries. The country has a large population and limited resources, leading to overcrowding in hospitals and clinics. The government provides some basic healthcare services, but many people rely on private clinics and hospitals for more specialized care. The availability of medicines and medical equipment is often limited, and the cost of treatment can be prohibitively expensive for many people. Despite these challenges, Bangladesh has made progress in recent years in improving access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas," explained one expat living in Bangladesh.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Pinapple Sellers in Dhaka, Bangladesh

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