Bangladesh’s healthcare system, despite experiencing some progress in recent years, is still in dire need of reform. Millions of citizens still continue to suffer as they do not get adequate medical care due to systemic issues, including a poor doctor-patient ratio, overburdened hospitals, and reliance on expensive out-of-pocket expenditures. Against this backdrop, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has proposed in its 31-point outline for structural reforms in Bangladesh a visionary solution to these problems: adopting a model inspired by the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS). This is a bold idea to revolutionise the healthcare system in Bangladesh and make it accessible, affordable and equitable for all.

At the heart of the NHS is universal healthcare, where every individual, regardless of income or social status, has access to medical care. In Bangladesh, this would be a game-changer. Currently, with only seven doctors per 10,000 people—well below the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of 22.8—many citizens find it impossible to access timely and quality healthcare. By implementing a universal health coverage model similar to the NHS, Bangladesh would ensure that healthcare becomes a right, not a privilege. The BNP’s proposal of a “Health Card” for every citizen would guarantee that all Bangladeshis have access to essential medical services at no direct cost. This would significantly reduce the burden of out-of-pocket payments, which currently account for 74% of medical costs.

 One of the most revolutionary aspects of the NHS is its funding model, where healthcare is financed through general taxation rather than individual payments at the point of service. In Bangladesh, the current reliance on private payments—often causing significant financial hardship—could be replaced by a public financing model, freeing individuals from the pressure of having to pay for each medical service they avail. By allocating 5% of GDP to healthcare, as proposed by the BNP, Bangladesh would vastly increase the financial resources available for health services.

With sufficient funding, the government could invest in expanding medical facilities, improving infrastructure, and hiring more healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and technicians. This public funding would also allow for better regulation and monitoring, ensuring that the healthcare system remains transparent, accountable, and free from corruption. One of the most effective ways to improve a country’s healthcare system is by strengthening its primary and secondary healthcare sectors. In the UK’s NHS, the majority of healthcare needs are met at the primary level, where patients receive regular check-ups, treatments, and preventive care. This prevents the overcrowding of tertiary hospitals, which are often the last line of care.

In Bangladesh, the primary healthcare system is underdeveloped, and many people bypass these services and flock to overstretched tertiary hospitals. As a result, patients have to wait for a long time while visiting doctors, while doctors often have little time to provide individualised care. By adopting the NHS model, the BNP’s vision of establishing well-equipped primary and secondary healthcare centres across the country would not only reduce the strain on tertiary hospitals but would also promote early diagnosis, preventative measures, and timely treatment.

The NHS model emphasises preventive care as a core component of its approach to public health. In Bangladesh, much of the healthcare system is focused on treating diseases after they have already escalated into serious conditions. This reactive approach increases treatment costs and places an unnecessary burden on hospitals and the healthcare infrastructure. By shifting towards prevention, as the NHS has done successfully through vaccination programmes, screenings, and public health campaigns, Bangladesh could significantly reduce the incidence of preventable diseases. The BNP’s focus on preventive care—such as vaccinations, health screenings, and disease education campaigns—could help curb the rising burden of chronic diseases, improve public health outcomes, and decrease healthcare costs in the long run.

The BNP’s proposal to introduce digital health records would allow healthcare providers to access patient information instantly, making diagnoses and treatments more efficient. It would also enable better tracking of patient progress, allowing for personalised care. Additionally, digital health infrastructure would improve decision-making, enabling healthcare professionals to make evidence-based decisions and coordinate care more effectively. Unregulated pharmacies and diagnostic centres are rampant in Bangladesh, contributing to the spread of counterfeit drugs and poor medical practices. The NHS model, on the other hand, is known for its stringent regulations that ensure quality care across the board.

The NHS system guarantees healthcare to everyone, including the most disadvantaged groups. The BNP’s proposal to expand social safety nets for the ultra-poor and marginalised groups is aligned with this principle. In Bangladesh, many people cannot afford healthcare due to their low income. By ensuring that these vulnerable groups have access to healthcare services without financial burden, the BNP wants to take a major step towards achieving social justice and equity in healthcare.

The BNP’s vision of reforming Bangladesh’s healthcare system by drawing inspiration from the NHS model is nothing short of brilliant. It tackles the core issues that have plagued the country’s healthcare system—such as inadequate access to care, financial barriers, lack of regulation, and a focus on reactive care. By prioritising universal coverage, strengthening primary care, investing in preventive measures, and utilising digital health technologies, Bangladesh can set itself on the path to a more equitable, accessible, and efficient healthcare system. While implementing these reforms will not be without challenges, the BNP’s proposal offers a practical roadmap to overcome them. With adequate funding, political will, and a long-term commitment to improving public health, the vision of a Bangladesh with universal, high-quality healthcare is achievable. In adopting the NHS model, the BNP is not only proposing a new healthcare system but is laying the groundwork for a healthier, more prosperous future for millions of Bangladeshis. The time for action is now—this is the blueprint for the Bangladesh of tomorrow.

The writer is a Country Coordinator (for Malaysia and Singapore), Amnesty International UK. Email: [email protected]