Diagnostics and Drugs: Dhaka Drafts Cost-Cutting Plan

The government will prepare a list of essential diagnostic tests along with their prices in an effort to reduce healthcare expenses. For this purpose, the Ministry of Health has formally sought technical assistance from the World Health Organization (WHO).

On Tuesday, August 26, Professor Md. Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser (in charge of State Minister for Health), announced this initiative at a views-exchange meeting held at Shaheed Abu Sayeed International Convention Center in Dhaka.

"First, we will prepare a list of essential medicines, followed by a list of essential diagnostic tests. Then, we will set the prices," he said, adding that prices may be categorized into two or three tiers.

The event, organized by the Ministry of Health on "The Role of Media in Healthcare," was attended by senior officials of the ministry, its affiliated agencies, and members of the media.

Sayedur Rahman noted that "around 64 to 67 percent of the money people spend on healthcare goes toward purchasing medicines, and 11 to 12 percent is spent on different types of diagnostic tests."

He added, "Many families fall into poverty because of this. To reduce the burden on people, the government must intervene in these two sectors."

He further mentioned that the government has already formed a task force to develop a process for preparing the essential medicines list and determining their prices.

In a recent meeting with WHO officials, the Ministry of Health proposed formulating a list of essential diagnostic tests and formally requested technical support from the organization.

Professor Sayedur also stated, "At that time, the WHO team mentioned that Bangladesh is one of the very few countries currently discussing this issue."