From Connectivity to Care: A step-by-step approach for telecom operators to ensure healthcare access

Bangladesh's healthcare system continues to face deep structural constraints.

With only six to seven physicians per 10,000 people (World Bank, 2025) and formal healthcare services reaching just 57 percent of the population (National Health Report), millions struggle to access timely treatment. Average monthly incomes of around $216 (WHO, 2025) make even basic medical visits financially burdensome for many households. These realities underscore the urgent need for solutions that are affordable, scalable and capable of reaching people where they live.

Against this backdrop, digital health operators such as DocTime, Shukhee, MedEasy, Arogga, Praava Health, Amar Lab and others have reshaped how many Bangladeshis access healthcare. Their services – ranging from online consultations and e-pharmacy to diagnostics and micro-insurance – have improved convenience and eased pressure on traditional healthcare facilities. These platforms demonstrate how digital tools can modernise healthcare delivery and expand access, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas.

Progress, however, remains uneven. Adoption of digital healthcare in rural areas and among low-income populations continues to lag. Gaps in awareness, access, trust and affordability, combined with the absence of physical support channels, remain major barriers. In this context, telecommunication operators can play a decisive role.

With nationwide distribution networks, trusted self-care apps and extensive on-ground agent coverage, telecom operators are well positioned to strengthen visibility, reduce onboarding friction and support digital health platforms in reaching underserved communities. Their involvement does not replace existing players; rather, it fills a critical gap by enhancing scale, credibility and reach.

Public health impact at scale is often assessed using the globally recognised RE-AIM framework, which evaluates reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance. Across these dimensions, telecom operators offer clear advantages: they reach large and often rural populations, reduce access barriers, encourage sustained adoption and ensure consistent delivery through robust infrastructure and distribution networks.

Despite strong potential, several challenges remain. Digital literacy is low among rural and elderly populations, limiting adoption of app-based services. Healthcare features within telecom apps often receive less prominence than core telecom offerings. SME and retail agents face time constraints and limited incentives to prioritise healthcare products. Data privacy concerns also contribute to user scepticism and require significant investment in secure systems.

To address these issues, telecom operators should collaborate with government health programmes such as the Directorate General of Health Services to leverage public infrastructure and extend reach into remote areas. Building both online and offline health communities can further encourage adoption.

Integrating preventive and gamified elements – such as health quizzes or daily wellness challenges – into digital platforms can raise awareness and engagement. Given that Bangladesh's digital ecosystem is dominated by platforms such as bKash, Daraz and Foodpanda, embedding digital healthcare services within these ecosystems could significantly boost adoption. Establishing selected telecom outlets as dedicated "health corners" would further expand reach and promote more equitable access.

Telecom-enabled digital healthcare is not merely a technological upgrade; it represents a step towards a more equitable healthcare future. By combining reach, trust and affordability, telecom operators can help bring essential healthcare services within reach of every Bangladeshi. In a country where geography and income have long shaped access to care, this shift is not optional – it is necessary.