Experts call for rise in budget to curb hypertension
Staff Reporter :
Public health experts have urged the government to prioritise hypertension control by increasing budgetary allocations in the upcoming national budget for FY 2025-26, emphasizing the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Bangladesh.
The demand was raised at a two-day workshop titled “Hypertension Control in Bangladesh: Progress and Way Forward”, held at the BMA Bhaban in Dhaka. Organized by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), the event brought together 26 journalists from print, television, and online media.
Experts highlighted that hypertension and other NCDs account for 71% of total deaths in Bangladesh. However, the current budget allocation for NCD prevention remains critically low, comprising only 4.2% of the total health budget.
One in four adults in Bangladesh suffers from hypertension, a major risk factor for several life-threatening diseases. While the government has initiated the provision of free anti-hypertensive medicine, experts stressed the need for ensuring its availability in all Community Clinics and Upazila Health Complexes with sustainable funding.
A 2024 World Health Organization (WHO) report revealed that despite Bangladesh’s commitment to NCD prevention under its Primary Health Care (PHC) framework, budget allocation and fund utilization remain inadequate.
The report also identified medicine supply shortages as a key challenge in NCD management.
Dr. Md Enamul Haque, Director General (Additional Secretary) of the Health Economics Unit (HEU), underscored the necessity of both increasing the budget and ensuring its effective implementation.
Professor Dr. Syed Abdul Hamid from Dhaka University’s Institute of Health Economics stressed the importance of public awareness, strengthened screening programs, and the availability of essential medicines in government hospitals.
Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh Country Lead of GHAI, stated, “By ensuring anti-hypertensive medicine in all Upazila Health Complexes and Community Clinics, a substantial reduction in hypertension and other NCDs can be achieved.”
Other distinguished speakers at the workshop included Dr. Mohammad Shawkat Hossain Khan (HEU), Dr. Geeta Rani Devi (CBHC, DGHS), Dr. Md. Maruf Haque Khan (BMU), Dr. Tanmay Sarker (BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health), and ABM Zubair (Executive Director, PROGGA).