Experts Urge Preventive Healthcare Expansion to Combat Poverty in Dhaka
Dhaka, Monday, 28 April 2025.
Public health experts in Dhaka emphasize the expansion of preventive healthcare to reduce poverty, focusing on effective management and early health intervention to prevent income loss.
The Economic Burden of Healthcare
Public health experts at a recent discussion organized by Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) highlighted how healthcare costs have become a significant barrier to poverty reduction in Bangladesh. PKSF managing director Md Fazlul Kader emphasized that out-of-pocket medical expenses are causing substantial income losses among the population [1]. This economic burden is particularly evident in the context of Bangladesh’s current healthcare spending, which stands at just 2.36% of GDP as of 2021, one of the lowest rates globally [3].
Critical Need for Early Detection
Recent research from rural Bangladesh demonstrates the urgent need for preventive care and early detection programs. A comprehensive study involving 3,600 adults revealed that delayed diagnosis of conditions like hypertension leads to increased complications and healthcare costs. The study found that individuals from lower economic backgrounds and those with limited access to health education face significantly higher risks of late diagnosis [2]. This pattern of delayed care particularly affects the poorest segments of society, with those lacking physical exercise facing 2.37 times higher odds of later diagnosis [2].
Workplace Health and Economic Productivity
The connection between public health and economic productivity is particularly visible in Bangladesh’s crucial ready-made garment (RMG) sector, which employs over 4 million people and contributes 10.35% to the GDP [3]. Health issues in this sector frequently lead to absenteeism and reduced productivity, creating a direct link between worker health and economic output. The implementation of preventive healthcare measures is increasingly seen as essential for maintaining workforce productivity and ensuring sustainable economic growth [3].
Innovation in Healthcare Delivery
Recent initiatives are showing promising results in preventive healthcare delivery. BRAC’s ‘Shushastho’ Primary Healthcare Centre, inaugurated on April 21, 2025, exemplifies innovative approaches to healthcare access, providing services to over 38,000 people in remote areas [6]. Healthcare Reform Commission member Dr Ahmed Ehsanur Rahman advocates for making healthcare a fundamental right through law, emphasizing the need for political commitment to primary healthcare [1]. These developments align with global research indicating that preventive healthcare investments yield significant economic returns [GPT].