Bangladesh poised to become a regional leader in cancer care

Bangladesh has the potential to become a regional leader in cancer care. With the right policies and investments, the country can significantly reduce the number of patients seeking treatment abroad and build a healthcare system that provides advanced, affordable cancer care to all.

At a roundtable discussion jointly organised by Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC and The Business Standard ahead of World Cancer Day on 4 February, healthcare professionals, cancer survivors, economists, and industry leaders emphasized key reforms that could transform cancer treatment in Bangladesh.

Expanding cancer treatment facilities across Bangladesh

Bangladesh currently has around 15 lakh cancer patients, but treatment facilities remain heavily concentrated in Dhaka, leaving many without access to essential care.

Prof Dr Aliya Shahnaz, head of the radiotherapy department at Dhaka Medical College, highlighted the urgent need to expand cancer care infrastructure and ensure the availability of skilled professionals.

"We need at least 180 radiotherapy machines to meet demand, but we currently have only 22. In addition, we lack qualified medical physicists, who are essential for safe and effective radiotherapy treatment. Expanding both infrastructure and trained manpower will ensure every patient receives timely and quality care," she said.

Prof Dr Farhad Haleem Donar, oncologist and chairman of the governing body at Uttara Adhunik Medical College, stressed the need to upgrade outdated equipment.

"Many radiotherapy machines in public hospitals have exceeded their lifespan. Investing in modern technology will improve treatment quality and reduce the need for patients to seek care abroad," he said.

Making cancer treatment affordable and accessible

The high cost of cancer treatment remains a major burden. Without a national health insurance system, many families are forced to sell assets or take out loans to afford treatment.

Dr Syed Abdul Hamid, professor at the Institute of Health Economics, Dhaka University, proposed a national cancer fund and public-private health insurance to ease financial hardship.

"Providing financial assistance for newly diagnosed cancer patients and reducing treatment costs through strategic policies will ensure no one is denied care due to financial constraints."

Experts also called for reducing import taxes on medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, which would significantly lower treatment costs and make advanced therapies more accessible.

Strengthening public-private partnerships

Collaboration between government institutions, private hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies is essential for building a strong cancer care system.

Dr AM Shamim, founder and managing director of Labaid Group, emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in expanding healthcare access.

"Countries like India have strengthened their cancer care systems through public-private collaborations. Bangladesh has the expertise and resources—we now need a collective effort to enhance our healthcare infrastructure" he said.

Establishing specialized cancer centers outside Dhaka and increasing investment in training programs for oncologists and radiotherapy specialists will ensure high-quality care reaches every corner of the country.

Arif Mahmud, director of Medical Services at Evercare Hospital Bangladesh, said there are currently 15 lakh cancer patients in the country and the number is growing rapidly. 

He said, "There are 15 government and 9 private hospitals that provide cancer treatment, but they are mostly concentrated in Dhaka. Cancer treatment needs to be decentralised, and the private sector should expand beyond Dhaka. 

"Both immediate and long-term plans are required to improve cancer treatment. We need to identify the problems and address them systematically."

Pharmaceutical industry: A game-changer in cancer treatment

Bangladesh's pharmaceutical sector is already playing a key role in making cancer treatment more affordable. Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC, a pioneer in cancer drug manufacturing, has significantly reduced the cost of essential medicines, making treatment more accessible for thousands of patients.

Mohammad Ebadul Karim, Managing Director of Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC, highlighted the country's growing capability in pharmaceutical innovation:

"There was a time when cancer treatment was unavailable in Bangladesh. Today, we manufacture high-quality oncology drugs, including immunotherapy, making treatment more affordable and accessible. By continuing to invest in research and development, we can make Bangladesh a hub for cancer medicine production." Not only this but also he added, "Our country's pharma industry did not grow overnight. It is now a market worth BDT 25-30 thousands crore which comes in count for Bangladesh's economy."

By supporting local pharmaceutical innovation and reducing dependence on imports, Bangladesh can lower treatment costs while ensuring access to high-quality medicines.

Key recommendations for transforming cancer care

Experts at the roundtable proposed clear, actionable steps to improve cancer treatment in Bangladesh:

• Upgrade radiotherapy facilities with modern equipment and expand treatment centers across the country.
• Reduce import taxes on medical equipment and cancer drugs to lower overall treatment costs.
• Introduce financial aid for newly diagnosed cancer patients, ensuring affordability.
• Strengthen public-private partnerships to enhance healthcare infrastructure and decentralize treatment services.
• Invest in training programs for oncologists, radiotherapy specialists, and medical physicists to address manpower shortages.
• Support pharmaceutical innovation to make advanced cancer medicines available at lower costs.

Bangladesh's path to a world-class cancer care system

Bangladesh has the potential to build a world-class cancer treatment system—with a strong pharmaceutical industry, skilled medical professionals, and a committed healthcare sector. What is needed now is policy support and investment to bring these elements together and create a healthcare system that ensures timely, affordable, and high-quality cancer treatment for all.

Cancer survivor and former additional secretary Mahbuba Panna said, "After being diagnosed with cancer, I had concerns about where to have the operation and whether the diagnosis was correct. However, I placed my trust in the doctors at government hospitals. 

"Through this journey, I have realised that if cancer treatment in the country can inspire trust, people will not need to go abroad for treatment."

The Director and Head of the National Pharmacovigilance Center, Dr Md Akter Hossain stated, "We have stringent regulations in place to ensure the validation and quality standards of manufactured products before they are marketed to the people of Bangladesh." He further emphasised the importance of adhering to these guidelines to follow comprehensive and mandatory rules before granting product registration for maintaining public health and safety.

Prof Dr Syed Md Akram Hussain, member of the Health Sector Reform Commission, reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving cancer treatment:

"With strategic investments and policy reforms, Bangladesh can ensure that every cancer patient receives the best possible care right here at home. The time to act is now, and together, we can make this vision a reality."

By taking decisive action today, Bangladesh can lead the way in cancer care, reducing dependency on foreign treatment and providing world-class healthcare to its citizens. The future of cancer treatment in Bangladesh is bright—and the time to build it is now.