National Urban Health Strategy: Issues and Approaches Bangladesh Perspective

Bangladesh has been experiencing rapid urbanization. The country’s urban population was only 8.78% in 1974, which has been increased to 27% in 2011. It is assuming that by 2040, more than 50% population of the country will... [ view full abstract ]

Bangladesh has been experiencing rapid urbanization. The country’s urban population was only 8.78% in 1974, which has been increased to 27% in 2011. It is assuming that by 2040, more than 50% population of the country will live in the urban areas. For increasing urban population, among others, essential health service delivery is very critical, particularly for the urban poor. Health issues in the urban areas have some differences that of rural areas. Densely population, higher prevalence of communicable diseases, unhealthy slums, existence of industries, environmental pollution, lack of pure drinking water and adequate sanitation are some of major public health problems in the urban areas.
In practice, primary health care, family planning services and public health are the responsibilities of the government and free of cost in Bangladesh. In urban areas, public sector primary health care service delivery is inadequate compare to demand. Private clinics are the main sources for health service delivery, but highly expensive and unaffordable for the poor. Considering demand of present days and challenges in future, the government of Bangladesh is going to implement a National Urban Health Strategy.
To implement the strategy, preparation of an operational plan is under process. Through this operational plan, activities will be taken to increase capacity of the Urban Local Bodies and involvement of Non-government Organizations for health service delivery. A high level Coordination Committee comprised with representatives from relevant ministries, other government and non-government organizations will take policy decisions to implement the strategy. It is expected that successful implementation of the National Urban Health Strategy will establish an affordable and quality health care services delivery system for the urban people of Bangladesh.

Key words: urbanization, urban poor, primary health care, urban health strategy