BIDS study finds plethora of problems

Inadequate supply of drugs and equipment, and frequent absence of doctors from their offices are the major problems of the country's public health sector, according to a study.
With support from Asia Foundation, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) conducted the study at 70 health centres including hospitals at district levels and health complexes at upazila level in seven divisions.
Using different methods including interviews, surveys and focus group discussions, the study also found that staff show unfriendly attitude toward service seekers at the centres.
The findings of the study were presented at a workshop titled “Public Service Delivery Systems in Bangladesh: Governance Issues in the Health Sector” at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel in the capital yesterday.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr AFM Ruhal Haque, as chief guest, Asia Foundation's PRODIP Programme Chief of Party Russell Pepe and BIDS Senior Research Fellow Dr MA Mannan, among others, were present at the event moderated by BIDS Director General Dr Mustafa K Mujeri.