Health services in Bangladesh role of NGO s in the policy implementation field

Abstract

The health system in Bangladesh has experienced significant transformations and improvements over the years, addressing the challenges of a rapidly growing population and limited resources. From its early years after independence in 1971, the country has made notable progress in healthcare provision, particularly in primary healthcare services and public health initiatives. In the past, Bangladesh faced numerous obstacles in establishing a robust health system. The country inherited a weak healthcare infrastructure and had limited resources to allocate towards health services. However, the government recognized the importance of primary healthcare and initiated the Essential Services Package (ESP) program in the 1980s. This program aimed to deliver basic healthcare services, including immunizations, family planning and maternal and child health services, at the grassroots level. newlineTo enhance access to healthcare in rural areas, the government also trained and deployed community health workers, commonly known as ShasthyaKormis. These individuals played a vital role in delivering primary healthcare services to underserved communities, particularly in remote regions. This approach helped bridge the gap between the healthcare system and the population, particularly in areas where there was a scarcity of healthcare facilities. Over time, Bangladesh has witnessed significant improvements in its health system. The government has prioritized public health initiatives and implemented various programs to combat prevalent diseases and improve overall health outcomes. For example, the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) has been successful in reducing vaccine-preventable diseases through widespread immunization campaigns. newlineFurthermore, Bangladesh has made significant strides in maternal and child health. The country has seen a remarkable decline in maternal and infant mortality rates, thanks to initiatives such as the Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health (MNCH) program. This program focuses on improving access to quality a