The government is set to place 12 development projects before the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), including a major initiative aimed at addressing long-standing shortcomings in Bangladesh’s cancer treatment system and modernising public healthcare services.
A revised project for establishing comprehensive cancer treatment centres in government hospitals across Dhaka and its adjoining areas has been approved, with the total estimated cost rising to Tk 1,347.19 crore.
Sources said the initiative is among the 12 development projects scheduled for approval at the ECNEC meeting on Tuesday at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Of these, six are new projects, four are revised, and two seek extensions of their implementation periods.
According to the Planning Ministry, the project was originally approved at a cost of Tk 847.66 crore. The allocation has now been increased by Tk 499.53 crore to accommodate the procurement of advanced medical equipment, infrastructure development, and the expansion of treatment facilities. The entire cost will be financed from the government’s own resources.
Health experts describe cancer as one of Bangladesh’s most pressing public health challenges. Although a growing number of people are diagnosed with cancer every year, advanced treatment facilities in the public sector remain inadequate.
Consequently, many patients are compelled to seek treatment at costly private hospitals or travel abroad, placing a significant financial burden on families.
Officials believe the establishment of specialized cancer centers in government hospitals in and around the capital will bring substantial relief to patients. Once implemented, the project will provide integrated cancer care services under one roof, including diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, post-operative care and counselling. The initiative is expected to reduce treatment costs, save time and lessen the suffering of patients and their families.
The project will be implemented by the Health Services Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The government's objective is to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in the capital region and ensure affordable, internationally standard cancer treatment for the general public.
A Planning Ministry statement said the health-sector initiative is being considered one of the most important investments among the projects to be presented to ECNEC. Stakeholders believe successful implementation of the project could mark a new chapter in Bangladesh’s cancer treatment services and significantly enhance public confidence in government healthcare institutions.
Sourcres said that the 12 projects together involve an estimated expenditure of Tk 8,106.64 crore. Of the total, Tk 5,545.85 crore will come from government funding, Tk 2,467.26 crore from project loans and Tk 93.53 crore from the implementing agencies’ own resources.
The ECNEC meeting, to be chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman, will also consider several major infrastructure and social-sector projects.
