Publish : 15 Nov 2021, 12:40 PMUpdate : 15 Nov 2021, 12:40 PM
With over 8.4 million diabetic patients in Bangladesh, as per the International Diabetes Federation, and a current prevalence rate of 8.1% (predicted to increase further), diabetes can pose a major threat for the health of Bangladeshi people.
Diabetes, a chronic disease, if left uncontrolled can cause serious complications like heart disease and stroke, foot ulcers, and limb amputation, blindness, kidney failure, and even death in the long run. In spite of this, according to various research, in Bangladesh, about 82% participants had inadequate glycaemic (diabetes) control and 54.7% had very poor control. 83% of the population of the age group 25-65 never even check for diabetes.
One of the primary reasons behind this is lack of awareness, education and access, and affordability of the right health care services and medication. Due to the limited number of health care professionals, especially in the rural areas, many diabetic patients still seek treatment from unqualified health workers.
Furthermore, with the annual cost of diabetic treatment being around Tk35,385 as per the World Bank, it is over 10% of income for many people in Bangladesh. Therefore, access to treatment and medication still remains out of reach for many.
Furthermore, the economic burden of treating and managing patients with diabetes is also really high. According to a study titled “Health and Economic Burden of Diabetes in Bangladesh: Attention for the higher priorities,” the total annual estimated cost of diagnosed diabetes was $217 million in 2016, which is a huge burden for a developing country like Bangladesh.
However, diabetic people require constant access to not only doctor consultations and medications, but also health education, healthy diets, and opportunities to exercise to remain healthy and avoid complications.
This year, the theme for World Diabetes Day is Access to diabetes care: If not now, when?
With the International Diabetes Federation calling governments around the world towards a holistic approach on helping people manage their diabetes by providing better access to treatment at more affordable costs.
The government of Bangladesh, along with Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (BADAS), has so far done remarkable work when it comes to educating the public about diabetes.
Furthermore, BADAS has over 1.4 million registered diabetics with over 61 affiliates around the country, where all patients can get free consultation and certain tests, and treatment including insulin either free or according to income.
But there is still a lot more to be done. Access to health care professionals needs to be improved. Using technology such as video calls can be a great way to help rural people reach qualified health care professionals or specialists residing in Dhaka at very affordable costs. They will no longer need to take the burden of commuting long distances or spend large amounts of money to consult a doctor.
More patient support programs need to be introduced which give patients personalized advice on medication adherence, diet plans -- all from the safety of their homes.
Mass awareness programs regarding the disease need to be conducted. Diabetes is a disease which can be largely controlled using a proper healthy diet and physical exercise. However, many people residing in Bangladesh still aren’t well aware of this, and believe diabetes can only be effectively controlled using insulin or oral medicine.
Health care companies in association with the government can provide diabetic medicine at affordable prices to the public so that everyone can have access to these life-saving drugs.
Through various such approaches, we can ensure that diabetics get the right healthcare services and live a healthy life.
Andrew Smith is the co-founder and CCO of Digital Hospital (a social brand of Digital Health Care Solutions).
OP-ED: If not now, when?
With over 8.4 million diabetic patients in Bangladesh, as per the International Diabetes Federation, and a current prevalence rate of 8.1% (predicted to increase further), diabetes can pose a major threat for the health of Bangladeshi people.
Diabetes, a chronic disease, if left uncontrolled can cause serious complications like heart disease and stroke, foot ulcers, and limb amputation, blindness, kidney failure, and even death in the long run. In spite of this, according to various research, in Bangladesh, about 82% participants had inadequate glycaemic (diabetes) control and 54.7% had very poor control. 83% of the population of the age group 25-65 never even check for diabetes.
One of the primary reasons behind this is lack of awareness, education and access, and affordability of the right health care services and medication. Due to the limited number of health care professionals, especially in the rural areas, many diabetic patients still seek treatment from unqualified health workers.
Furthermore, with the annual cost of diabetic treatment being around Tk35,385 as per the World Bank, it is over 10% of income for many people in Bangladesh. Therefore, access to treatment and medication still remains out of reach for many.
Furthermore, the economic burden of treating and managing patients with diabetes is also really high. According to a study titled “Health and Economic Burden of Diabetes in Bangladesh: Attention for the higher priorities,” the total annual estimated cost of diagnosed diabetes was $217 million in 2016, which is a huge burden for a developing country like Bangladesh.
However, diabetic people require constant access to not only doctor consultations and medications, but also health education, healthy diets, and opportunities to exercise to remain healthy and avoid complications.
This year, the theme for World Diabetes Day is Access to diabetes care: If not now, when?
With the International Diabetes Federation calling governments around the world towards a holistic approach on helping people manage their diabetes by providing better access to treatment at more affordable costs.
The government of Bangladesh, along with Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (BADAS), has so far done remarkable work when it comes to educating the public about diabetes.
Furthermore, BADAS has over 1.4 million registered diabetics with over 61 affiliates around the country, where all patients can get free consultation and certain tests, and treatment including insulin either free or according to income.
But there is still a lot more to be done. Access to health care professionals needs to be improved. Using technology such as video calls can be a great way to help rural people reach qualified health care professionals or specialists residing in Dhaka at very affordable costs. They will no longer need to take the burden of commuting long distances or spend large amounts of money to consult a doctor.
More patient support programs need to be introduced which give patients personalized advice on medication adherence, diet plans -- all from the safety of their homes.
Mass awareness programs regarding the disease need to be conducted. Diabetes is a disease which can be largely controlled using a proper healthy diet and physical exercise. However, many people residing in Bangladesh still aren’t well aware of this, and believe diabetes can only be effectively controlled using insulin or oral medicine.
Health care companies in association with the government can provide diabetic medicine at affordable prices to the public so that everyone can have access to these life-saving drugs.
Through various such approaches, we can ensure that diabetics get the right healthcare services and live a healthy life.
Andrew Smith is the co-founder and CCO of Digital Hospital (a social brand of Digital Health Care Solutions).
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