Our first encounter with Bangladesh healthcare

It's been almost four months since we arrived in Dhaka and until today we have been fortunate enough to have no experience with the Bangladesh  healthcare system.

However, today, after two consecutive visits with our Embassy doctor for Vlad's irritated eye, we were recommended to see a local specialist.

But today was a hartal day, we were restricted to our diplomatic enclave without special permission. No problem! Our capable medical unit took care of this as well and soon enough we were on board in an armored car with an escort and a driver, heading to Apollo Hospital in Bashundhara.

The hospital is one of several international standard hospitals located in Dhaka (others include United Hospital and The Square) and in terms of hygiene and healthcare was excellent. Our overall experiences was very positive. Some members of staff did not speak English, but were OK as long as we could communicate with the doctor. Truth be told, it helped that we were categorized as ‘special patients’, so we were treated with extra care, attention and efficiency. The fees we incurred seemed very reasonable:

1,000 taka or roughly $12.00 for an appointment with the eye specialist 

Large segments of the population in Bangladesh are deprived of a fundamental right: access to basic health care. The vast majority of Bangladeshi citizens rely on government hospitals to deliver medical care at an affordable price tag. These hospitals are funded through taxation subsidies and other sources. Among the Bangladeshi population government healthcare is perceived to be of a much lower quality standard where rudimentary expectations of cleanliness, skills and expertise are not met. Such institutions are frequently ill equipped and for those entering the system there is an informal expectation that tips are routinely paid to guarantee that a service will be done. Like so many things in Bangladesh the quality of life and  healthcare is based on one’s ability to pay. Unlike the operation of private healthcare systems in the USA, there are no insurance schemes to fund either partially or fully treatment that is required. The reality is that urgent, ongoing medical treatment may require the release of life savings or the sale of land or property to honor payment.