Experts call for healthcare reform, investment to curb outbound medical tourism
Speakers noted that Bangladesh has become a victim of medical tourism economically
Highlights:
- Bangladesh loses $4–$5b yearly to medical tourism
- 4.5 lakh Bangladeshis went abroad for treatment in 2023
- Trust issues, incompetence drive outbound medical tourism
Experts have called for reforms in the country's healthcare sector, including the strengthening of infrastructure and increased technological investment, to curb outbound medical tourism and establish Bangladesh as a medical hub.
At a roundtable today (21 December), they said Bangladesh is losing billions of dollars annually in medical tourism, much of which is strengthening India's rapidly growing healthcare sector.
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Medical tourism is not just about receiving services in another country; it reflects the strengths and weaknesses of a country's healthcare system, they added.
The roundtable titled "Medical Tourism: Pathways to Our Advancement" was held at the Cirdap Auditorium in the capital, organised by the Bangladesh Private Medical Practitioners Association (BPMPA).
Speakers noted that Bangladesh has become a victim of medical tourism economically. In 2023, around 4.5 lakh Bangladeshis travelled abroad for healthcare, marking a 48% increase compared to the previous year.
This is not just a statistic; it reflects the lack of our healthcare sector in meeting the needs of the citizens, they said.
Professor Dr Nazmul, director general of the Directorate of Health Education, said that one of the main reasons for the dominance of medical tourism among patients in Bangladesh is a lack of trust. In some cases, incompetence also plays a role.
"Additionally, the way we treat and neglect patients contributes to them seeking care abroad," he said.
He added that patients also tend not to consult doctors unless they are professors or renowned specialists, often expecting a 15-minute consultation. "This mindset needs to change."
"There is limited private investment in the healthcare sector. To overcome the current challenges, private sector involvement must be increased. Our neighbouring country has closed their healthcare services [for Bangladeshis], and we must seize this opportunity to enhance our medical capabilities," said Dr Nazmul.
He further mentioned that if private hospitals reduce costs and improve the treatment experience, patient trust will increase.
At the event, Hasan Hafiz, president of the National Press Club, said that India's visa ban has actually benefited us by helping to enhance our capabilities.
Experts also emphasised the need for a coordinated effort to improve the healthcare sector's quality, along with competitive marketing campaigns. They stated that public-private partnerships could play a catalytic role in this initiative.
To curb the outward flow of medical tourists, it is crucial to focus on preventive care and early disease eradication, they added.
The speakers further stated that the government should make significant investments in healthcare infrastructure, prioritise the development of specialised healthcare centres equipped with cutting-edge technology, and engage in strategic partnerships with global healthcare giants.
They emphasised that building a skilled workforce in the healthcare sector is equally important. The country's medical education and training programmes must be upgraded to global standards, and strong incentive systems should be implemented to retain talent.
This will encourage talented individuals to return to the country, where they can work with modern facilities, professional satisfaction, and competitive salaries, allowing foreign-trained Bangladeshi doctors to come back and contribute, they said.
Dr Md Sarwar Bari, secretary of the Medical Education and Family Welfare Division, stated that due to medical tourism, $4 to $5 billion leaves the country every year. To reduce medical tourism, the cost of disease diagnosis must be reduced within the country.
The speakers further noted that investments in public health campaigns, primary care infrastructure, and community-based programmes could provide local solutions to many diseases, thus reducing the need for expensive overseas treatment for advanced-stage conditions.
