The overall health of a nation is undoubtedly one of the most key elements that determines how a nation is faring. Indeed, as a nation prospers, it is expected that so too will its citizens and their overall health.
Bangladesh has undoubtedly made remarkable progress in this regard; its life expectancy rising from 47 post the Liberation War to almost 74 now is testament to this fact. Its efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, especially how it managed its vaccination efforts, have rightfully received plaudits globally as well.
Nevertheless, there exist those in our society that are often deprived of the appropriate healthcare facilities, be they physicians and experts or often enough, life-saving drugs.
To that end, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's recent statement, where she stated that collective responsibilities of all were required to ensure access to insulin and other life-saving drugs at an affordable price for the poor is a timely and necessary reminder that, as is the case for many areas in the country, improvements in healthcare have not been equitable.
Bangladesh, as with many nations in the world, continues to struggle with diabetes, and we wholeheartedly agree with the PM who urged international political will to ensure investment in not just diabetes treatment, but perhaps even more importantly, further research on its prevention.
With more than 8.5 million people, including children, living with diabetes and related co-morbidities in Bangladesh, it is evident that a more focused and concerted effort is required to bring these numbers down. Ultimately, raising awareness and enacting appropriate policy changes will go a long way to reduce complications arising from diabetes.
To reiterate, Bangladesh, as it continues to progress as a nation, must simultaneously think about the health of all its citizens. Ensuring that all its citizens, not just the privileged classes, have access to insulin and other life-saving drugs must be ensured so that Bangladesh becomes the healthy, wealthy nation it has always aspired to be.