As of now, the govt has established a total of 14,253 community clinics across Bangladesh, with 14,200 of them already providing vital healthcare services. These community clinics serve as a cornerstone of the nation’s healthcare system, reaching out to marginalized communities and empowering them with essential medical care.
The Community Clinic Program, envisioned by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has gained international recognition for its unique model of healthcare delivery. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other global entities have applauded the program’s success in extending primary healthcare services to all citizens, regardless of their location.
Initiated in 1998, the Community Clinic Program strives to bring government primary healthcare services directly to the doorsteps of the people in rural areas. Each community clinic caters to around 6,000 people and offers free healthcare along with access to 27 to 32 types of essential medicines.
The impact of the program has been far-reaching, significantly improving healthcare access and reducing the financial burden on marginalized communities. Patients receive necessary medical attention and crucial medicines, ensuring their well-being and fostering healthier communities.
Beyond medical assistance, community clinics also play a pivotal role in creating health awareness and delivering health education to rural populations. Furthermore, the establishment of child daycare centers at these clinics empowers working women, contributing to economic growth and women’s empowerment.
The success of Bangladesh’s Community Clinic Program has prompted the United Nations to adopt a historic resolution on community-based healthcare, acknowledging the program’s role in promoting primary healthcare, women’s empowerment, community engagement, and universal access to health.
The “Sheikh Hasina Initiative” exemplifies the program’s innovative public-private partnership model, showcasing Bangladesh’s commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of its citizens while contributing to global health equity.
Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, community clinics demonstrated their resilience and effectiveness. They played a vital role in facilitating the Covid-19 vaccination program in remote areas, safeguarding the health of vulnerable populations.
Efforts are currently underway to operationalize the remaining 53 community clinics promptly. This expansion will further improve access to healthcare and empower more communities across the country.
Looking to the future, the government aims to establish the “Community Clinic Health Assistance Trust” by 2030, ensuring the sustainability and continued success of the Community Clinic Program. The trust will strengthen people’s participation in integrated primary healthcare services, mobilize necessary resources, and establish an effective referral system to higher-level healthcare facilities, bolstering Bangladesh’s healthcare landscape.
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