A recent study conducted by the Health Economics Unit of the Bangladesh Ministry of Health highlights cost differences between treatments of COVID patients in public versus private facilities. For example, while the average cost of ICU treatment in the public sector is calculated at approximately 3922 Euro, while it is 4980 Euro in the private sector. Experts suggest that this difference may be largely due to incomplete adherence to national COVID-19 treatment guidelines in the private sector.
Nevertheless, the private sector is an important contributor to the provision of health services in Bangladesh, especially when the public sector struggles to meet demand (as has been the case during the pandemic). Private-for-profit service providers may be contracted by social health protection schemes in certain instances, although even when they are not, the objectives of equity and efficiency remain. Ministry of Health stewardship and oversight of private sector providers is essential to foster equity (and ensure quality). This may be enhanced by promoting the consistent use of treatment protocols.
(1 Lakh= 100,000)
To know more read the original story published in The Daily Star here.
Image credits: iStock Photos
Have anything to say about the difference between private and public sector treatment costs in Bangladesh? Please let us know in the comments section below.
