We commend the government’s plan to establish 170 Urban Primary Health and Nutrition Centres (City Health Centres) in Dhaka and Chittagong.
This could be a pivotal step toward strengthening healthcare access for the urban poor – a section of our population that is far being left behind not only when it comes to health but in all other aspects as well and who disproportionately suffer from preventable diseases, non-communicable diseases, and poor maternal and child health.
Such an initiative therefore directly addresses the chronic underdevelopment of urban primary healthcare – the present reality is shocking, with only 35 government outdoor dispensaries operating in major cities serving nearly 1.5 crore people.
It is no wonder then that much of the population relies on costly private providers, thereby exacerbating poverty through out-of-pocket health spending.
The City Health Centres will be strategically located across major city corporations like Dhaka North, Dhaka South, and Chattogram, with at least one functioning centre in each ward operating in two shifts. Such a plan ensures convenience and inclusivity, adapting healthcare delivery to people’s lives rather than expecting them to conform to rigid service hours.
There is also hope that this would lead to reducing congestion in hospitals, cutting wait times, and providing accessible primary care — all of which should alleviate the immense burden our hospitals are currently under.
The project’s smooth and swift approval is thus critical for our urban health future. Moreover, it also shows the urgent need for many more such projects to bridge the healthcare gaps for our ever-growing urban population.
No nation can prosper without effective healthcare — it is foundational for reducing poverty, improving health equity, and building healthier communities. We hope this becomes an important step for us to move towards a healthier nation.
