Transforming Bangladesh’s healthcare: Digital strategies for the future
From telemedicine to AI-driven diagnostics, technology has emerged as a powerful tool for addressing systemic gaps. But for a country of over 170 million, the real challenge lies not in adopting digital tools, but in integrating them equitably and sustainably
In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, Bangladesh faces both a challenge and an opportunity; the latter is to be able to modernise its healthcare system through digital innovation. The health crisis exposed long-standing weaknesses in infrastructure, accessibility and coordination.
At the same time, it brought digital health solutions—telemedicine, mobile health apps, AI-based diagnostics—into the national spotlight. This shift is no longer optional.
The future of healthcare lies in digital integration. But how can Bangladesh scale and sustain this transformation equitably across a country of more than 170 million people? The answer lies in crafting a transparent, inclusive, and locally rooted roadmap that builds on the progress made under the "Digital Bangladesh" vision while actively addressing current policy, access, and implementation gaps.
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Learning from research: Coordination is the missing link
Recent research titled A Study on Digital Transformation in the Healthcare Sector of Bangladesh: Current Scenario and the Future Roadmap provides a sobering assessment: while Bangladesh has launched several digital health initiatives, they remain fragmented and lack a unified national framework for scale and sustainability. The study emphasises the urgent need for structured governance, stronger stakeholder coordination, and investment in health ICT infrastructure.
This aligns with earlier insights from the article E-Health Futures in Bangladesh, published by Emerald Insight. The article argues that digital health transformation must go beyond technology adoption and be embedded in policy, institutional frameworks, and community practices. Without political commitment and grassroots inclusion, even the best tools will fall short.
Infrastructure first: No connectivity, no care
Despite nearly 100% mobile network coverage, a persistent rural–urban digital divide hampers healthcare access. Fewer than 30% of rural households have consistent internet connectivity, limiting the reach of digital health tools and teleconsultation services.
To ensure equitable access, the National Broadband Policy must be accelerated with targeted investments in last-mile connectivity. Special emphasis should be placed on expanding broadband to union-level clinics and rural hospitals. In parallel, developing interoperable electronic health records (EHRs) is essential.
These systems must connect public and private healthcare providers to enable seamless patient data sharing and improve clinical decision-making. Pilot programmes in district-level hospitals can serve as a foundation for national rollout. Public–private partnerships with telecom giants such as Grameenphone and Robi can also help subsidise data costs for low-income users accessing health platforms.
Building trust through governance
While "Digital Bangladesh" has laid the groundwork for technological adoption, the digital health ecosystem still lacks comprehensive legal and institutional safeguards. Currently, no standardised laws cover data protection, telemedicine licensure, or cybersecurity in healthcare. To bridge this gap, Bangladesh should enact a National Digital Health Act, drawing on global best practices—such as India's DISHA framework—but tailored to local realities.
One of the biggest risks to Bangladesh's digital health future is overdependence on donor funding. Currently, more than 70% of projects are externally financed. To ensure sustainability, the government should allocate at least 5% of the national health budget to digital health by 2025, with a roadmap to increase it to 10% by 2030.
The law should address issues such as patient data confidentiality, digital consent, secure data sharing, and standards for remote healthcare delivery. Additionally, establishing a Central Digital Health Authority (CDHA) would help regulate, coordinate, and monitor digital health initiatives, while aligning them with international standards such as those laid out in the World Health Organisation's Digital Health Guidelines.
Upskilling the health workforce
Digital tools are only as effective as the people using them. A 2022 WHO report found that only 15% of rural health workers in Bangladesh are digitally literate—a major bottleneck for service delivery. To address this, digital literacy must be embedded within the medical and nursing education systems. Institutions such as Dhaka University and BITM should lead the development of digital health certification programmes tailored to healthcare providers.
At the grassroots level, mobile-based microlearning platforms in Bangla can empower community health workers with basic skills in teleconsultation, digital record-keeping, and patient communication. Tech startups such as Pathao and bKash can play a vital role in developing user-friendly, localised e-learning tools.
Prioritising equity: digital health for all
Digital transformation risks reinforcing existing inequalities unless access is proactively made inclusive. Only 22% of rural women in Bangladesh own smartphones, and many elderly citizens face barriers to using technology effectively. To bridge this gap, the government should consider subsidising smartphones and data packages for low-income households through programmes such as the Social Safety Net.
In addition, health platforms must be designed with accessibility in mind, offering features such as voice commands, Bangla language support, and simplified user interfaces. Establishing community digital kiosks in union-level clinics, staffed by trained volunteers or health workers, can also provide a vital access point for the digitally excluded.
Catalysing innovation: Unlocking startup potential
Bangladesh's vibrant startup ecosystem—valued at over $500 million—has shown promise in sectors such as fintech and logistics. However, health tech remains underutilised due to limited funding and regulatory barriers. Launching a Digital Health Innovation Fund could provide grants and seed investment for startups working on mental health (e.g., Maya), primary care (Praava Health), and chronic disease management.
Regulatory sandboxes should also be introduced, allowing companies to test innovative solutions without bureaucratic delays. An annual Digital Health Summit could serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, showcasing Bangladeshi innovations while attracting foreign investment and regional partnerships with countries such as Singapore and India.
Sustainability through smart financing
One of the biggest risks to Bangladesh's digital health future is overdependence on donor funding—currently, more than 70% of projects are externally financed. To ensure sustainability, the government should allocate at least 5% of the national health budget to digital health by 2025, with a roadmap to increase it to 10% by 2030. These funds should support infrastructure, training, innovation, and maintenance.
A phased approach—testing solutions in urban hubs such as Dhaka and Chattogram before national scale-up—can help optimise implementation. Additionally, a Digital Health Impact Index should be developed to measure progress in key areas such as maternal health, diabetes control, and rural outreach.
A future within reach
The transformation of Bangladesh's healthcare system through digital means is not a distant dream—it is an achievable goal. As highlighted in the study Digital Transformation in Healthcare Services Sector of Bangladesh: Current Status, Challenges and Future Direction, the next step is to move from isolated initiatives to a coordinated, inclusive, and scalable national strategy. The building blocks are already in place: a robust mobile network, a growing tech ecosystem, and an increasingly connected population.
What is needed now is a commitment to governance, investment, and equity, ensuring that technology works not just for the privileged but for every citizen in every corner of the country. With bold vision and collaborative action, Bangladesh can become a regional leader in digital health, ensuring healthcare that is not only efficient and modern but truly accessible to all. Let this be the decade of transformation. Let no one be left behind—neither offline nor unheard.
Sumit Banik is a Public Health Activist and Trainer. E-mail: sumitbd.writer@gmail.com
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.
