Economic Loss of Bangladesh Due to Medical Treatment Abroad, with a Focus on India: A Review

Abstract

The trend of Bangladeshi patients seeking medical treatment abroad, particularly in India, has been steadily increasing, raising concerns about its economic impact on Bangladesh. While India is chosen for its advanced medical facilities and expertise, the economic ramifications for Bangladesh, including foreign exchange loss and strain on the domestic healthcare system, necessitate scrutiny. This paper delineates the multifaceted economic losses incurred, encompassing direct expenses and indirect impacts on the local healthcare industry. Factors propelling medical tourism to India include perceived quality of care, specialized treatments, and shorter wait times, exacerbated by deficiencies in Bangladesh's healthcare infrastructure. To mitigate economic losses, Bangladesh can invest in domestic healthcare, enhance regulatory measures, and promote medical tourism locally. Addressing this issue requires collaboration among policymakers, healthcare authorities, and stakeholders to retain healthcare expenditures, bolster domestic healthcare, and improve accessibility for citizens. This review contributes insights into Bangladesh's economic challenges concerning medical treatment abroad, laying the groundwork for further research and policy development.