Experts call for national healthcare plan for cancer treatment
The proposals include developing a comprehensive national plan, ensuring affordable and quality treatment, and introducing a cancer treatment insurance system
Experts have called for the formulation of a national cancer treatment plan to address the growing burden of cancer in Bangladesh.
While progress has been made over the past three decades, cancer care remains inadequate to meet the needs of the population, they said.
Panelists at a discussion, titled "Bangladesh in Cancer Treatment: Progress and Prospects," highlighted key proposals to improve cancer care today (11 December). The discussion was organised by the Bangladesh Breast Cancer Forum at the National Press Club.
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The proposals include developing a comprehensive national plan, ensuring affordable and quality treatment, and introducing a cancer treatment insurance system.
Experts also urged utilising opportunities to reform the health sector following the July uprising.
Professor Dr Habibullah Talukdar Raskin, founder and chief coordinator of the Bangladesh Breast Cancer Awareness Forum, presided over the event.
He noted that the National Cancer Research Institute began 30 years ago with only 50 beds but now has nearly 1,000 beds at the government level. Private facilities have also contributed to cancer care, but these remain insufficient for the growing number of patients.
"Every year, 147,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed in the country, along with numerous ongoing cases. Current medical services are inadequate to cater to such a large patient base," Raskin said.
He added that only 10% of patients receive world-class care under the existing system, while the majority lack access even to basic cancer treatment.
Raskin urged stakeholders to prioritise prevention, expedite the establishment of district-level cancer hospitals, and ensure universal health coverage for cancer care.
"If someone cannot afford treatment, the state must take responsibility," he said.
Dr Syed Akram Hossain, member of the Health Reform Commission and head of the oncology department at Square Hospital, pointed out that Bangladesh is now producing cancer drugs worth Tk1,000 crore annually.
He added that modern cancer treatment equipment is available domestically, eliminating the need for patients to seek treatment abroad.
Professor Syed Abdul Hamid from the Institute of Health Economics, Dhaka University, highlighted the financial burden of cancer treatment.
"Patients are falling below the poverty line due to treatment costs. Many are unable to afford care," he said, advocating for a health insurance system.
"With insurance, patients could pay as little as Tk20 per month via mobile to access up to Tk5 lakh for treatment," he added.
Other speakers included cancer oncologist Professor Sabera Khatun, Dr Alia Shahnaz, and cancer patient Jinat Ara.
They highlighted the need for collective action to strengthen cancer care infrastructure and alleviate financial challenges faced by patients. The event underscored the urgent need for systemic reforms to provide equitable and effective cancer treatment in Bangladesh.
