'Now is the time to further strengthen the private health sector'

As someone who has been part of Bangladesh's healthcare journey for over three decades, I have seen the private sector evolve through both promise and pressure. Today, private hospitals deliver nearly two-thirds of the country's secondary and tertiary care. Yet, despite this significant contribution, the sector continues to face challenges—particularly around perception, policy, and regulation.

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, our system's weaknesses were laid bare. The panic created by restrictions on Indian medical visas made many realise how dependent we had become on foreign healthcare systems. But it also became a turning point. With travel restrictions in place, patients began trusting local facilities more, and their recovery outcomes spoke for themselves. In almost 99% of cases, patients returned home healthy. That, to me, is the biggest testament to how far our private healthcare has come.

An infographic from Labaid Hospitals details its unique services, including a 24/7 Cath Lab and dedicated Stroke Clinic, while highlighting its affordability compared to healthcare in India, Thailand, and Singapore. | Infograph: TBS

Every sector experiences defining moments. After the Rana Plaza tragedy, the garments industry reformed and grew stronger. This is our moment—the time to build a world-class healthcare system within Bangladesh. But for that to happen, private hospitals must focus on quality. If grading, quality control, and accreditation become the norm, the entire sector will rise to international standards.

The role of government

Our biggest challenges—grading, quality control, and accreditation—cannot be addressed by hospitals alone. We need a framework like India's, where hospitals are audited regularly and guided towards compliance. The goal should not be to shut down hospitals but to support them in meeting standards. Once closed, these facilities often reopen quietly without proper oversight, which serves no one.

An infographic presents key statistics for Labaid Hospitals, showing its growth since 1989 to approximately 7,000 employees, 3 million annual patient encounters, and over 300,000 successful general surgeries. | Infograph: TBS

The licensing process is another major bottleneck. Currently, a hospital must pass through nearly 18 departments for approval—a process that can take up to a year. Smaller hospitals often struggle, facing unethical demands and administrative barriers. Out of roughly 17,000 private hospitals and diagnostic centres, only about 6,200 have renewed their licences.

We've requested that the government introduce a single-desk system, allowing hospitals to secure all necessary documents in one place. Decentralising the process, perhaps involving third-party bodies similar to BGMEA could simplify things dramatically.

Improving standards from within

As General Secretary of the Bangladesh Private Hospital, Clinic and Diagnostic Owners Association, I have been working to bring structure and responsibility to the sector.

We are collaborating with international organisations such as JCI to provide compliance and quality training for hospital staff. We've also introduced benchmarking criteria for new hospital setups to prevent unregulated facilities from opening in residential buildings.

This graphic illustrates the extensive reach of Labaid's healthcare network, with 35 diagnostic centers located in major areas within Dhaka and across numerous districts throughout Bangladesh. | Infograph: TBS

We are conducting division-based public meetings to help people understand that private hospitals are not merely profit-driven—they are committed to service and patient wellbeing.

Additionally, we are addressing a long-ignored issue: medical waste management. Many hospitals still lack proper disposal systems, creating public health hazards. To combat this, incinerators and autoclave plants are being installed in all eight divisions. Our goal is for hospitals to manage their own waste responsibly.

Making healthcare more affordable

Running a hospital is a complex and expensive operation. Electricity, equipment maintenance, and technological upgrades all come at a high cost, leaving most hospitals with a net profit margin of less than 7%.

However, affordability is a shared responsibility. In Bangladesh, people often save for travel or luxury purchases but rarely plan for healthcare. This must change. I believe if someone earns one taka, at least two paisa should be set aside for medical expenses. Until health insurance becomes widely available, personal savings are essential.

Personally, I want to make treatment more accessible. In our new hospital, we plan to offer low-cost surgeries and treatments, not as charity or CSR, but as a matter of conscience. For patients who lose their lives, their bills will be waived entirely. It might take time, but I hope to see this model fully implemented within five years.

Public-private partnerships is the way forward

For a sustainable future, public-private partnerships (PPPs) are crucial. Countries like India, with its Ayushman Bharat programme, and Turkey, have successfully used PPPs to improve healthcare delivery. If the government collaborates more closely with private hospitals, we can expand access to affordable, high-quality treatment—especially in primary healthcare.

Patient-centred cancer care

At Labaid, our focus has always been on patient satisfaction and outcome-based care. Cancer patients, in particular, need compassion as much as they need treatment. We constantly evaluate patient experiences through third-party research to ensure every individual feels supported and heard throughout their journey.

Innovation and automation in healthcare

We are also embracing innovation. During a recent visit to Malaysia, I saw automated systems for health check-ups and report generation. While full automation may not yet be feasible in Bangladesh, we are aiming for 75% automation in at least 10–20 of our centres by next June.

In our Barishal branch, we are introducing an automated primary healthcare unit where patients can receive check-ups, online prescriptions, and even medicine from a dispensing machine stocked with essential generic drugs. This model could benefit nearly 30% of non-critical patients, providing quick, cost-effective care.

Labaid Hospitals and its various facilities are officially recognized by several international bodies, including the College of American Pathologists (CAP), ISO 15189, NABH, and Joint Commission International (JCI). | Infograph: TBS

Today, Labaid manages data from over 763,000 patients—a powerful resource that helps us track outcomes, monitor medicine delivery, and maintain accuracy. Through data-driven insights, automation, and compassion, we are building a smarter, more reliable healthcare system for Bangladesh.

This is our time to rise—to make Bangladesh's private healthcare sector not only competitive but exemplary. And I believe, with collaboration, accountability, and empathy, we can get there.