Dhaka:The government of Bangladesh has proposed two significant health-sector projects with a combined investment of Tk 56,750.64 crore. These projects are designed to enhance the treatment capacity at upazila health complexes and improve primary healthcare infrastructure at the union and ward levels across the nation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the projects are set to be executed between December 2026 and November 2029. The initiative includes constructing, reconstructing, upgrading, remodeling, and renovating healthcare facilities to improve access to essential services, particularly for rural and marginalized communities.
The first project, titled 'Construction, Reconstruction, Upgradation, Remodeling and Repair and Reform Works of Health Complexes at Upazila Level in Bangladesh,' has a proposed cost of Tk 44,757.385 crore. The second project, 'Construction, Reconstruction, Upgradation, Remodeling and Repair and Reform Works of Health Infrastructures at Union and Ward Level in Bangladesh,' involves Tk 11,993.2582 crore. Both projects are proposed to be fully financed by the government.
The Planning Commission has recommended further scrutiny of the implementation arrangements, construction costs, procurement plans, staffing requirements, and environmental safeguards before approval. State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. MA Muhit noted that the government aims to transform health complexes in all 503 upazilas into fully equipped 151-bed hospitals as part of a broader reform program.
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), along with the Public Works Department and Health Engineering Department, will implement the projects, which include infrastructure upgrades and the addition of modern medical facilities. The expanded healthcare network is expected to reduce pressure on district and divisional hospitals by enabling upazila hospitals to treat common and moderately complex illnesses.
The projects also include plans to recruit an additional 100,000 health workers, with the first 30,000 already in the recruitment process. These workers will be trained to provide services at ward- and union-level facilities and conduct regular household visits to offer health advice and checks.