'Despite progress, Bangladesh faces healthcare challenges in remote areas'

Despite significant advancements in healthcare accessibility and outcomes, Bangladesh continues to grapple with persistent challenges, particularly in remote regions, said participants at an event organised by United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Bangladesh.

They also said issues such as limited access to quality healthcare, inadequate medical facilities, and a shortage of well-trained professionals have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the event titled "SDG Café", held on 20 September, participants reached a consensus that while climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure is undeniably essential, it alone does not guarantee the delivery of high-quality services.

The session aimed to identify and address the obstacles hindering the improvement of healthcare infrastructure in these distant areas as part of the ambition to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, according to a press release.

The UNOPS put forward a comprehensive systems-based approach, highlighting the integration of smart infrastructure, skilled workforce, widespread digitalisation, improved accessibility, and more, all working together to ensure the delivery of high-quality healthcare services.

Md Ashadul Islam, chief technical advisor at the Project Management and Monitoring Unit (PMMU), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said, "It is essential to bear in mind that a one-size-fits-all approach in terms of policy and design is not suitable for all locations. Instead, remote areas demand tailored strategies and initiatives, aligned with the outcomes of thorough needs assessments."

UNOPS Bangladesh Country Manager Sudhir Muralidharan emphasised, "UNOPS is committed to strengthening healthcare infrastructure in Bangladesh, especially in terms of providing last mile solutions so that the benefits of quality healthcare leave no one behind."

The event brought together diverse stakeholders such as health economists and health system experts, including representatives from the World Bank and the Department of Public Health Engineering.

The SDG Café is a monthly roundtable series dedicated to addressing pressing development challenges and innovating solutions.