Bangladesh Expat Health Insurance
The People’s Republic of Bangladesh is a South Asian country bordered mostly by India, but also Burma and the Bay of Bengal. Previously part of India, it was partitioned off as East Pakistan in the aftermath of Indian independence from Britain. In 1971, Bangladesh became independent following the Bangladesh Liberation War with Pakistan. Poverty is widespread in Bangladesh, which is one of the most densely populated countries on earth, though the country’s Human Development Indices (HDI) remain relatively high. Vast portions of the country are subject to annual flooding during the monsoon season. The economy is highly dependent on agricultural and textile exports, as well as repatriated capital from overseas Bangladeshis. The economy has greatly benefited from the spread of “microlending”, as popularized by the Bangladeshi founder of Grameen Bank – Muhammad Yunus.
Despite its recent economic growth – Bangladesh was classified as one of the ”Next Eleven“ emerging economies by Goldman Sachs – health care in Bangladesh is still very limited. Life expectancy is significantly below developing country levels: 64 years for males and 66 for females.
Maternal mortality rates are a serious problem in Bangladesh, where 340 mothers from every 100,000 live births do not survive childbirth. Access to basic antenatal, birth and infant care is very limited. Only 18 percent of Bangladeshi births are attended by a skilled health care professional. This figure masks serious inequities as among the poorest quintile, only 5 percent of births are attended by a professional health care worker.
Communicable diseases are also a major health issue. Although HIV infection rates are low, affecting on 1 in every 1,000 adult Bangladeshis, tuberculosis is prevalent at more than twice the global average, with 425 cases per 100,000 people. Nearly half of Bangladeshi males smoke, which has led to a number of concerns about cardiopulmonary diseases and cancer. The WHO has also released health warnings on outbreaks of polio, avian flu, Nipah virus, and acute neurological syndrome in Bangladesh over the past decade.
Bangladesh Healthcare System
Most health care in Bangladesh is state-funded. Total annual health expenditure per capita is USD48, just a fraction of the WHO South-East Asia regional average, and about 3.4 percent of GDP. Bangladesh’s health care system is very understaffed. “Brain drain” sees many talented health care professionals leave every year for more lucrative opportunities abroad. There are just three doctors and 2.7 nurses and midwives per 10,000 Bangladeshis.
Public health investment, largely with the support of multilateral aid organizations, has greatly improved Bangladeshi access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Currently about 80 percent of Bangladeshis have access to improved drinking water, and slightly more than half have access to improved sanitation. Although sanitation facilities might rarely measure up to developed country standards, this represents an improvement of about twenty percentage points over the past two decades.
The WHO operates three “Collaborating Centers” for medical and public health research in Bangladesh. Each of these are located in Dhaka, with centers focused on: training the public health workforce; diabetes, endocrinal and metabolic health; and diarrhoeal diseases research.
Furthermore, the WHO has drafted a Country Cooperation Strategy agreement with the Ministry of Health in Bangladesh outlining seven strategic objectives in the improvement of health care from 2008 – 13. These are: promote access of vulnerable groups (women, children, elderly) to health care; enhance prevention and control of communicable diseases; promote healthy lifestyles and mental health guidelines; enhance equitable access to clean water; strengthen approach to emergency preparation; improve health workforce development; and foster coordination of national health development.
Despite its poverty and likelihood of natural disasters, Bangladesh is an increasingly important business hub in South Asia, particularly in the textile and garment industry. But before making a trip to Bangladesh, a few precautions should be taken. Updating routine immunizations should be done four to six weeks before departure. Visitors to rural areas may consider vaccinations against Japanese encephalitis and rabies.
Outside the capital city of Dhaka, malaria outbreaks are common. Preventative measures can include insect repellent with DEET, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing. Prophylactic doses of anti-malarial pills such as atovaquone, proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine may be suggested. Other insect-borne diseases such as dengue and leishmaniasis are also found in the country.
In Bangladesh, as with any travel destination, the most common traveler’s complaint is stomach discomfort. Given Bangladesh’s annual floods, access to clean water can become a serious problem. Ensure that you have access to safe, sealed bottled water at all times. Anti-diarrhoeal pills may be taken during acute cases of gastrointestinal distress.
Cars and motorbikes drive on the left side of the road in Bangladesh. Road accidents are also a serious health problem for tourists and expatriates in the country. Be sure to obey the local rules of the road, and never drink alcohol and drive.
Bangladesh Expat Health Insurance
Bangladesh is a country with great beauty and excellent opportunities, but a weak healthcare system, particularly outside of Dhaka, means that while you are in Bangladesh, expat health insurance may be required. Furthermore, serious medical emergencies may require expensive air evacuation to India, Thailand or beyond, and costs can easily exceed USD100,000.
Finding the right international health insurance plan is key to giving you peace of mind when travelling or working in Bangladesh. Expat health insurance plans do however there are provide myriad options to choose from. Fortunately, Global Health Insurance can assist you in selecting a plan to insure you, your family, your tour group or your company abroad or in Bangladesh. Expat healt insurance plans we work with can provide the cover you need and our experienced team of advisors is available to help you find the best plan for you. Contact a Global Health Insurance representative today.
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