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Health insurance for all is now essential  

Published : Friday, 12 July, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 848
Md Khalilur Rahman Sajal
Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture in its healthcare journey. Significant disparities persist in access to medical services, and out-of-pocket healthcare expenses remain a heavy burden. While strides have been made in improving health outcomes, ensuring equitable healthcare access across socioeconomic backgrounds presents a substantial challenge.

A substantial portion of the population, particularly those in low-income brackets, struggles with the high cost of medical treatments and medications. Introducing a universal health insurance scheme could be a pivotal step towards addressing these issues. Such a scheme would provide financial protection and ensure access to essential health services for all Bangladeshis.

Presently, health insurance in Bangladesh remains in its nascent stage, with limited coverage and penetration. While various insurance companies offer health insurance schemes, these are typically more accessible to urban and higher-income segments. Existing plans often cover basic medical expenses, hospitalization, and critical illnesses, but the benefits are often modest compared to actual healthcare costs.

Public awareness and uptake of health insurance remain low, primarily due to a lack of information, trust issues, and the perception of unaffordability. The governments efforts to introduce and promote health insurance have been gradual. However, theres a growing recognition of the need for a more comprehensive, universally accessible health insurance system to address the broader populations healthcare needs.

The current focus on urban and higher-income segments leaves a vast portion of the population, especially those in rural areas and lower-income brackets, without coverage. This limited coverage exacerbates the financial strain on families who must bear the brunt of medical costs themselves, often leading to impoverishment.

Universal Health Insurance offers numerous benefits, with the foremost being protection from catastrophic health expenditures. By covering medical costs, families are safeguarded from the economic hardships often associated with unexpected medical bills. This financial security allows individuals to seek necessary medical care without the fear of crippling expenses, which can otherwise lead to significant economic strain.

Broader insurance coverage can lead to more people gaining access to timely medical interventions, resulting in improved overall health outcomes. This increased access helps bridge the healthcare gap between urban and rural areas, reducing disparities and ensuring a more even distribution of healthcare services across different regions.

Furthermore, these insurance schemes often cover preventive services like vaccinations and screenings, promoting early detection of illnesses. Additionally, a steady flow of funds into the healthcare system can improve infrastructure, medical supplies, and the retention of healthcare professionals, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of care.

Neighbouring nations like India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan have implemented various models of universal health coverage, each designed to their socioeconomic context. Studying these models, such as Indias Ayushman Bharat scheme and Thailands Universal Coverage Scheme, can offer valuable insights into funding mechanisms, service delivery models, and the integration of public and private healthcare providers.

The Constitution of Bangladesh addresses the health security of its citizens under the Directive Principles of State Policy. Specifically, Article 15 and Article 18 are relevant to health and well-being. Article 15 states that it is the states responsibility to secure the provision of necessities of life to its citizens, including medical care. Article 18 emphasizes the duty of the State to improve public health and the standard of living. These constitutional mandates provide a solid foundation for establishing a universal health insurance scheme to achieve health security for all citizens of Bangladesh.

A universal health insurance scheme has the potential to transform Bangladeshs healthcare system by making healthcare more affordable, accessible, and equitable. By learning from regional peers and adhering to constitutional mandates, Bangladesh can enhance health outcomes and promote overall public health. While the journey may be challenging, the vision of universal health insurance in Bangladesh aims to reduce the financial strain of healthcare and cultivate a healthier, more resilient society.

The writer is Executive Director, Voluntary Consumers Training and Awareness Society



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