Missing health issues in poll campaigns
National election fever has gripped Bangladesh. Numerous international agencies and research institutions are also going to keep an eye on the election process and the final outcome.
While both the ruling coalition and the opposition parties will obviously make heaps of promises to voters, one important aspect that I do not see being reflected at all is improving the poor healthcare infrastructure of the country.
We know that wealthy people can easily afford to get treatment in quality hospitals and nursing homes not only in Dhaka but also in other big cities across the world. However, the poorer sections of society are the worst sufferers as they are heavily dependent on the overburdened healthcare system whose quality is deteriorating day by day. Under these circumstances, the political parties in Bangladesh should come up with strategies to initiate a universal healthcare system, especially taking into consideration the situation of low-income groups.
Saikat Kumar Basu
Canada
