Bangladesh (BD)
Bangladesh is a densely populated delta nation in South Asia, bordered by India and Myanmar, with the Bay of Bengal to the south.
Healthcare in Bangladesh
Bangladesh has public hospitals, specialised government institutes and a large private healthcare sector. Expats usually rely on private hospitals in Dhaka or Chattogram plus international insurance with evacuation cover for serious cases.
Urban private care can be good for routine and some specialist needs; complex trauma, cardiac, neonatal and oncology cases may require regional evacuation depending on insurance.
Public healthcare: Public healthcare system
Government hospitals and clinics
- Emergency care
- Public hospitals
- Vaccination programmes
- Maternal and child services
- Specialised institutes
- Most expat private care
- International evacuation
- Many medicines and diagnostics
- Private rooms
Private healthcare: Private hospitals and clinics
Accessing care
No formal GP gatekeeping. Expats book direct with private family doctors, paediatricians or specialists.
Self-referral is common in private hospitals, though insurers may require pre-authorisation.
Use 999 or go directly to a major private ER; call ahead when possible.
Private hospitals have 24/7 emergency departments; clinic availability varies.
Pharmacies are widespread, but quality and cold-chain assurance vary. Use reputable pharmacies for critical medication.
Private dental clinics are common in Dhaka; quality varies. Ask expat groups and insurers for referrals.
Private psychiatrists, psychologists and online therapy are available but limited compared with Europe/North America.
Private maternity care is common for expats; confirm neonatal ICU, blood bank, C-section policy and insurance pre-authorisation.
Expat-specific advice
- Choose a private hospital near home and work
- Save emergency numbers and hospital ER numbers
- Confirm insurance direct-billing/pre-authorisation
- Carry medical history and prescriptions
- Plan dengue and water-safety precautions
Pharmacies (Pharmacy / medicine shop)
- Oral rehydration salts
- Paracetamol
- Antihistamines
- Mosquito repellent
- Basic stomach remedies
Typical costs
| GP visit (with insurance) | BDT 0–500 copay depending on employer plan; international insurers often cover in full at network hospitals |
| GP visit (private pay) | BDT 1,000-3,500 |
| Specialist visit | BDT 2,000-6,000 |
| Emergency visit | BDT 5,000-50,000+ before tests/admission |
| MRI scan | BDT 8,000-25,000 |
| Prescription average | BDT 300-5,000 depending on medicine |
| Dental check-up | BDT 1,000-4,000 |
| Baby delivery | BDT 80,000-400,000+ private hospital depending on room and complications |
Healthcare
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