Bangladesh’s healthcare industry is gradually developing and facing many challenges. Surprisingly, it has started exporting medical products, a significant shift from its 100% import dependence three decades ago. The main challenges this industry faces are production, technology, R&D, and, primarily, tariffs on raw materials.
Number of hospitals and classification
Total Hospital in Bangladesh – 5816
Govt. Hospital – 255
Reg. Private Hospital -5054
Diagnostic Center – 9529
Hospital Beds
No. of hospital beds in public hospitals – 54,660
No. of hospital beds in Private hospitals – 91,537
List of Departments and Mostly Used Medical Devices
Emergency Department (ER):
- Defibrillator
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) machine
- Ventilator
- Pulse oximeter
- Suction machine
Operating Room (OR):
- Surgical instruments (scalpels, forceps, retractors, etc.)
- Anesthesia machine
- Operating table
- Surgical lights
- Cautery machine
Intensive Care Unit (ICU):
- Patient monitors (for vital signs monitoring)
- Ventilators
- Infusion pumps
- Hemodialysis machine
- Central venous catheters
Laboratory:
- Microscopes
- Centrifuges
- Automated analyzers (for blood tests, urine tests, etc.)
- Incubators
- Pipettes
Radiology Department:
- X-ray machine
- Computed Tomography (CT) scanner
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine
- Ultrasound machine
- Fluoroscopy machine
Pharmacy:
- Automated medication dispensing systems
- Barcode scanners
- Refrigerators for storing vaccines and certain medications
- Pill counting machines
- Drug compounding equipment
Cardiology Department:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) machine
- Echocardiogram machine
- Holter monitor
- Cardiac catheterization equipment
- Pacemakers
Ophthalmology Department:
- Slit lamp
- Phoropter
- Ophthalmoscope
- Fundus camera
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) machine
Orthopedics Department:
- C-arm fluoroscopy machine
- Orthopedic drills and saws
- Arthroscopy equipment
- Bone plates and screws
- Traction equipment
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department:
- Fetal monitors
- Ultrasound machines
- Colposcopes
- Hysteroscopes
- Vacuum extractors
ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) Department:
- Otoscope
- Audiometer
- Nasal endoscope
- Laryngoscope
- Tympanometer
Dental Department:
- Dental chairs
- Dental X-ray machines
- Dental drills
- Ultrasonic scalers
- Dental curing lights
Nephrology department:
- Hemodialysis Machines
- Peritoneal Dialysis Equipment
- Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) Machines
- Hemofiltration Systems
- Portable Ultrasound Machines
- Renal Biopsy Needles
- Blood Pressure Monitors
- Laboratory Equipment
- Intravenous (IV) Infusion Pumps
- Central Venous Catheters (CVCs)
- Water Treatment Systems
- Patient Monitors
Achievements of Medical Sectors in Bangladesh
Bangladesh has been making strides in its medical device manufacturing sector, with several notable achievements:
Domestic Production: The country has seen a rise in domestic production of medical devices, ranging from basic equipment like Hospital beds, syringes, and gloves to more complex devices such as diagnostic equipment and surgical instruments.
Export Growth: Bangladesh has been exporting medical devices to various countries, contributing to its economic growth and positioning itself as a player in the global medical device market.
Quality Standards Compliance: Manufacturers have been increasingly focusing on meeting international quality standards, ensuring the safety and efficacy of their products. Compliance with standards such as ISO and CE marks enhances the credibility of Bangladeshi medical devices in international markets.
Affordability and Accessibility: Local production has led to more affordable medical devices within the country, making healthcare more accessible to the general population. This has been particularly beneficial in rural and underserved areas.
Job Creation and Skill Development: The growth of the medical device manufacturing sector has created employment opportunities and contributed to skill development in related fields such as engineering, technology, and quality control.
Innovation and Research: There is a growing emphasis on innovation and research within the sector, leading to the development of new and improved medical devices tailored to the needs of the local population.
Distinguishable Achievement
Bangladesh has made significant achievements in the treatment of various diseases, leading to improved healthcare outcomes for its population. Some notable achievements include:
- Tuberculosis control through DOTS strategy.
- Significant achievements in kidney transplantation
- Malaria elimination efforts with vector control and ACTs.
- Comprehensive HIV/AIDS management programs.
- Reduction in maternal and child mortality rates.
- Control of diarrheal diseases through ORT and improved sanitation.
- High vaccination coverage for preventable diseases.
- Improved diagnosis and management of non-communicable diseases.
- Promotion of mental health services and interventions.
Top Private Specialized Hospitals in Bangladesh who keep contributions in the Healthcare Sector.
- Square Hospitals Limited
- Evercare Hospital Dhaka
- United Hospital Limited
- Labaid Specialized Hospital
- Popular Diagnostic Centre Ltd.
- Dhaka Community Hospital
- Anwar Khan Modern Hospital
- Metropolitan Medical Centre
Gap Analysis: Medical Equipment Industry in Bangladesh (Exports & Imports)
Gaps:
Production vs. Demand: Bangladesh’s medical equipment production doesn’t meet the country’s needs, leading to heavy reliance on imports.
Technological Advancements: Local factories struggle with advanced equipment, making them dependent on foreign imports for high-tech devices.
Quality Control & Regulatory Framework: Quality control and safety standards for locally made equipment need improvement to match international levels.
Skilled Workforce & R&D: The industry lacks enough skilled workers and research & development to compete globally.
Market Access & Competitiveness: Selling Bangladeshi equipment in other countries is difficult due to established competitors and strict regulations.
Addressing the Gaps:
Strategic Tariff Adjustments: Adjust import taxes carefully to balance protecting local companies with ensuring access to affordable and advanced medical equipment.
Reduced production costs: Lower import taxes on raw materials make it cheaper for domestic manufacturers to produce medical equipment. This can lead to:
Increased competitiveness: Lower production costs allow domestic companies to offer more competitive prices, potentially capturing a larger market share.
Growth of the industry: Reduced costs can encourage more investment and innovation in the local medical equipment sector.
Develop a strong export industry for medical equipment: With a cost advantage and high-quality products, it will be easy to compete in the international market.
Earn foreign currency: Exports are a vital source of foreign currency for any country. A weak medical equipment export sector would limit this opportunity for Bangladesh.
Table 1: Tariff structure of some imported medical equipment and devices
| Serial Nr | Product name and description | Tariff (%) |
| 1 | Electronic Intensive Care and Patient Bed | 15.25 |
| 2 | Hydraulic ICU/CCU/HDU and Patient Bed | 15.25 |
| 3 | Bedside Cabinet with Overbed Table | 15.25 |
| 4 | Intensive Care and Pediatric Beds | 15.25 |
| 5 | Stretchers and Patient Transfer System | 15.25 |
| 6 | Delivery Bed & Gynecology Table | 15.25 |
| 7 | Medical Carts for Emergency & Medicine | 15.25 |
| 8 | Operation Table | 15.25 |
| 9 | Operation light and Spotlight | 15.25 |
Note 1: Tariff = CD+VAT+AIT+SD+DSC
Table 1.1: Tariff structure of imported raw material for manufacturing Electronic Intensive Care and Patient Bed
| Serial Nr | Raw material name and description | HS Code | Existing Tariff (%) | Proposed Tariff (%) |
| 1 | Head & Foot board -PP engineering plastics Blow molding process | 94029090 | 31 | 10 |
| 2 | Wheel – 5” (Diameter: 125mm) with individual brakes 4pcs/1set | 94029090 | 31 | 10 |
| 3 | Remote with Controller | 85437010 | 58.60 | 10 |
| 4 | Side Railings- ABS, 4pcs/1set | 94029090 | 31 | 10 |
| 5 | Electric Motor (100mm, 150mm, 200mm) | 85012091 | 43 | 10 |
| 6 | IV Pole, 4 hooks, height adjustable stainless-steel pipe | 94029090 | 31 | 10 |
Investment & Incentives: Encourage building factories to make essential medical equipment by offering tax breaks and other incentives.
Technology Transfer & Collaboration: Partner with foreign companies to share technology and knowledge, improving local production.
Strengthening Regulatory Framework: Make stricter quality control rules and safety standards that match international levels.
Skills Development & Training: Train more skilled workers in design, manufacturing, and quality control.
R&D & Innovation: Invest in research & development to create new medical technologies in Bangladesh.