The coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly emphasized the need for a sustainable and accessible healthcare system in Bangladesh, a country with the second-lowest doctor-patient ratio of 5.26 per 10,000 in South Asia. Indisputably, both private and government digital healthcare services have tried to merge the gap of need and availability.
The country is swiftly progressing towards the Digital Bangladesh 2021 vision. While the vision was only documented in 2008, the Bangladesh government has been working with the WHO since 1998 to bring digital medical solutions. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) incorporates telemedicine services with geographic demands in an eHealth website. Bulletins with information on non-communicable diseases and the coronavirus are helping the citizens stay adequately informed.
The private sector is also coming forth with emerging services. Tonic, an m-health platform by Telenor, will soon be providing holistic health services remotely to people all over Bangladesh. Platforms like Praava Health are ensuring 24/7 medical consultation by renowned professionals, along with doctor’s appointment and diagnostic tests.
While online consultation and medicine delivery continue to be the ubiquitous services, front runners are perpetually working to bring new and exciting resources to Bangladesh. The question is if the ICT sector will be able to keep up with the developments.