Health Sector Budget in Bangladesh Far Below WHO Standard

Dr. Mohd Mizanur Rahman

Dr Mohd Mizanur Rahman

Bangladesh, a nation with a population exceeding 160 million, is facing a critical challenge in its healthcare sector. Despite significant economic growth over the past decade, the allocation of resources to health services remains alarmingly low. Despite Bangladesh's commendable strides in various socio-economic sectors, the nation's healthcare system continues to struggle with inadequate funding. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that countries allocate at least 15% of their total budget to the health sector to ensure basic health services for all. However, Bangladesh's health sector budget falls significantly short of this benchmark, posing a substantial risk to the well-being of its population.

In the fiscal year 2024-2025, the Bangladesh government allocated approximately 5% of its total budget to the health sector, a figure that starkly contrasts with the WHO's recommendation. Given the country's population of over 165 million, this allocation translates to roughly $40 per capita, which is insufficient to meet even the basic healthcare needs of the population. This underfunding is evident in the persistent challenges faced by the health sector, including shortages of medical staff, insufficient medical supplies, and inadequate infrastructure.

The consequences of underfunding the health sector are far-reaching and severe. A low budget allocation translates to inadequate infrastructure, insufficient medical supplies, and a shortage of healthcare professionals. This situation is particularly dire in rural areas, where access to quality healthcare is already limited. The disparity in healthcare services between urban and rural populations exacerbates the overall health inequities within the country.

Inadequate funding also hampers the government's ability to combat public health crises. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities in Bangladesh's healthcare system, highlighting the urgent need for better preparedness and more robust health services. The lack of investment in public health infrastructure, research, and preventive measures makes the population more susceptible to diseases and reduces the overall health security of the nation.

The repercussions of underfunding are profound. The healthcare system is overwhelmed, especially in rural areas where medical facilities are sparse and poorly equipped. Patients often have to travel long distances to access basic medical services, and the quality of care available is frequently substandard. Furthermore, the low budget allocation has hampered efforts to combat infectious diseases, improve maternal and child health, and manage non-communicable diseases, which are on the rise due to lifestyle changes.

The low budget allocation has a direct impact on the health outcomes of the population. High maternal and infant mortality rates, a prevalence of communicable diseases, and a rising burden of non-communicable diseases are some of the alarming indicators. For instance, the maternal mortality rate in Bangladesh is 173 deaths per 100,000 live births, significantly higher than in many other developing countries. This figure is a stark reminder of the inadequacies of maternal healthcare services.

Additionally, the healthcare system struggles to address the growing incidence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. These conditions require long-term care and substantial resources, which are currently lacking. The result is a population that is increasingly vulnerable to health crises and a system that is ill-equipped to manage them.

Bangladesh's allocation to the health sector lags behind many of its regional peers. For instance, Nepal allocates about 6% of its total budget to health, while India dedicates around 3%, despite having similar challenges. These figures, though also below the WHO recommendation, are still comparatively higher and reflect a greater commitment to improving healthcare services. Bangladesh's relatively low investment highlights a critical need for policy reform and increased financial commitment to health.

Increasing the health sector budget to meet the WHO's 15% recommendation is not just a matter of international compliance but a necessary step towards safeguarding the health of the nation. An increased budget would enable the government to improve healthcare infrastructure, expand access to medical services, and enhance the quality of care. It would also facilitate better remuneration and training for healthcare workers, ensuring a more motivated and skilled workforce.

There is a need for strong advocacy from civil society organizations, health professionals, and the general public to push for increased health sector funding. Raising awareness about the dire consequences of underfunding can pressure policymakers to prioritize health in budget allocations.

 Alongside increasing the budget, it is crucial to ensure efficient utilization of allocated funds. This involves improving governance, reducing corruption, and implementing robust monitoring mechanisms to track health expenditures and outcomes.

Bangladesh can also seek support from international donors and organizations to supplement its health budget. Grants, loans, and technical assistance from global health initiatives can provide much-needed financial and technical support to strengthen the healthcare system.

Alongside increasing the budget, it is crucial to ensure that funds are utilized efficiently. Implementing robust financial management systems, reducing corruption, and ensuring transparency in expenditure can maximize the impact of allocated resources.

Encouraging private sector investment in health can help bridge the funding gap. Public-private partnerships can facilitate the construction of new hospitals, procurement of advanced medical technologies, and provision of specialized healthcare services.

Investing in preventive health programs, such as immunizations, health education, and disease prevention campaigns, can reduce the incidence of diseases and lower healthcare costs in the long run.

The health of a nation is a reflection of its commitment to its people. For Bangladesh, increasing the health sector budget to meet the WHO's 15% recommendation is imperative. This investment is not only crucial for addressing the current healthcare challenges but also for building a resilient health system capable of withstanding future public health crises. As Bangladesh aspires to achieve middle-income status and improve the quality of life for its citizens, prioritizing health sector funding must be at the forefront of its development agenda.

(Dr Mohd Mizanur Rahman is an Assistant Professor & Research Fellow at the 

Management and Science University, Malaysia.)