The fact that the UN has recognized community clinics as an effective example of private-public partnership in the health care sector is a testament to the far-reaching effectiveness of the concept.
Under the scheme, the government gives infrastructural, functional, and pharmaceutical support while locals supply land which has a direct, positive effect on countless locals living in some of the most remote areas of Bangladesh where health care is a scarce commodity.
The scheme was first introduced by the ruling party back in 1998 and, over the years, it has proven to be an effective first frontier against various kinds of diseases -- some of which can be extremely fatal and life threatening. Better infant and maternal health, reduced child mortality, increased rates of vaccination, etc, are a direct result of this initiative -- especially in remote areas.
However, the fact remains that many of these structures are over 20 years old. Moreover, given their ingenuity in providing inclusive, universal health care, this is one initiative that needs to be scaled up. Aside from increasing the logistical and infrastructural capacity, the quality of human capital needs to be raised as well. Doctors often don't want to work in these establishments, with many of their concerns justified. These need to be addressed as well.
All in all, community clinics is certainly one of the more successful initiatives that Bangladesh has come up with, the question now is one of progression -- we need to closely monitor these schemes and simultaneously improve upon them at every turn.
