**Telemedicine Services in Bangladesh (Government Facilities)** **Introduction & Background** - **Population & Context**: Bangladesh has a population of over 180 million, with many living in rural areas lacking robust healthcare infrastructure. - **Telemedicine Emergence**: The Ministry of Health & Welfare (MoHFW) launched the telemedicine system in 2010 to bridge rural-urban healthcare gaps. - **COVID-19 Impact**: The need for remote healthcare surged during the pandemic, accelerating the push for telemedicine solutions. **Current Status** - **Digital Health Transformation**: Telemedicine is a flagship initiative under Bangladesh’s broader “Digital Health” strategy. - **Facilities & Deployment**: As of 2023, **232 Telemedicine Centers** are operational: **1\. 22 Centers as Both Providers and Receivers**: - 1. Nachol Upazila Health Complex (Chapai Nawabganj, Rajshahi) 2. Kotalipara Upazila Health Complex (Gopalganj, Dhaka) 3. Kashiani Upazila Health Complex (Gopalganj, Dhaka) 4. Chaddagram Upazila Health Complex (Cumilla, Chittagong) 5. Tanore Upazila Health Complex (Rajshahi, Rajshahi) 6. Modhupur Upazila Health Complex (Tangail, Dhaka) 7. Mithapukur Upazila Health Complex (Rangpur, Rangpur) 8. Banshkhali Upazila Health Complex (Chittagong, Chittagong) 9. Kazipur Upazila Health Complex (Sirajgonj, Rajshahi) 10. Panchbibi Upazila Health Complex (Joypurhat, Rajshahi) 11. Chakaria Upazila Health Complex (Cox's Bazar, Chittagong) 12. Rajarhat Upazila Health Complex (Kurigram, Rangpur) 13. Mongla Upazila Health Complex (Bagerhat, Khulna) 14. Panchari Upazila Health Complex (Khagrachhari, Chattogram) 15. Singair Upazila Health Complex (Manikganj, Dhaka) 16. Chilmari Upazila Health Complex (Kurigram, Rangpur) 17. Fenchuganj Upazila Health Complex (Sylhet, Sylhet) 18. Kaunia Upazila Health Complex (Rangpur, Rangpur) 19. Shibchar Upazila Health Complex (Madaripur, Dhaka) 20. Haripur Upazila Health Complex (Thakurgaon, Rangpur) 21. Subarnachar Upazila Health Complex (Noakhali, Chattogram) 22. Nasirnagar Upazila Health Complex (Brahmanbaria, Chattogram) **2\. 194 Centers Exclusively as Recipients**: 1. Adamdighi Upazila Health Complex,Bogura,Rajshahi 2. Ajmiriganj Upazila Health Complex,Habiganj,Sylhet 3. Akkelpur Upazila Health Complex,Joypurhat,Rajshahi 4. Alikadam Upazila Health Complex,Bandarban,Chittagong 5. Amtali Upazila Health Complex,Barguna,Barishal 6. Anwara Upazila Health Complex,Chittagong,Chittagong 7. Ashuganj Upazila Health Complex,Brahmanbaria,Chittagong 8. Assasuni Upazila Health Complex,Satkhira,khulna 9. Bagherpara Upazila Health Complex,Jashore,Khulna 10. Baniachong Upazila Health Complex,Habiganj,Sylhet 11. Banshkhali Upazila Health Complex,Chittagong,Chittagong 12. Baraigram Upazila Health Complex,Natore,Rajshahi 13. Barhatta Upazila Health Complex,Netrokona,Mymensingh 14. Belabo Upazila Health Complex,Narsingdi,Dhaka 15. Barlekha Upazila Health Complex,Moulavibazar,Sylhet 16. Belkuchi Upazila Health Complex,Sirajganj,Rajshahi 17. Bera Upazila Health Complex,Pabna,Rajshahi 18. Betagi Upazila Health Complex,Barguna,Barishal 19. Bhedarganj Upazila Health Complex,Shariatpur,Dhaka 20. Bhangura Upazila Health Complex,Pabna,Rajshahi 21. Bheramara Upazila Health Complex,Kustia,Khulna 22. Bhurungamari Upazila Health Complex,Kurigram,Rangpur 23. Birampur Upazila Health Complex,Dinajpur,Rangpur 24. Birganj Upazila Health Complex,Dinajpur,Rangpur 25. Birol Upazilla Health Complex,Dinajpur,Rangpur 26. Bishwanath Upazila Health Complex,Sylhet,Sylhet 27. Bochaganj Upazila Health Complex,Dinajpur,Rangpur 28. Boda Upazila Health Complex,Panchagarh,Rangpur 29. Borhanuddin Upazila Health Complex,Bhola,Barishal 30. Burichong Upazila Health Complex,Cumilla,Chittagong 31. Chaddagram Upazila Health Complex,Cumilla,Chittagong 32. Chakaria Upazila Health Complex,Cox's Bazar,Chittagong 33. Chandina Upazila Health Complex,Cumilla,Chittagong 34. Chatkhil Upazila Health Complex,Noakhali,Chittagong 35. Chatmohor Upazila Health Complex,Pabna,Rajshahi 36. Chhatak Upazila Health Complex,Sunamgonj,Sylhet 37. Charghat Upazila Health Complex,Rajshahi,Rajshahi 38. Charfession Upazila Health Complex,Bhola,Barishal 39. Chhagalnaya Upazila Health Complex,Feni,Chittagong 40. Chilmari Upazila Health Complex,Kurigram,Rangpur 41. Chirirbandar Upazila Health Complex,Dinajpur,Rangpur 42. Chowgacha Upazila Health Complex,Jeshore,Khulna 43. Chunarughat Upazila Health Complex,Habiganj,Sylhet 44. Companiganj Upazila Health Complex,Sylhet,Sylhet 45. Dacope Upazila Health Complex,Khulna,Khulna 46. Damurhuda Upazila Health Complex,Chuadanga,Khulna 47. Dashmina Upazila Health Complex,Patuakhali,Barishal 48. Daulatkhan Upazila Health Complex,Bhola,Barishal 49. Debhata Upazila Health Complex,Satkhira,Khulna 50. Debiganj Upazila Health Complex,Panchagarh,Rangpur 51. Derai Upazila Health Complex,Sunamganj,Sylhet 52. Dewanganj Upazila Health Complex,Jamalpur,Mymensingh 53. Dharmapasha Upazila Health Complex,Sunamganj,Sylhet 54. Dhubaura Upazila Health Complex,Mymensingh,Mymensingh 55. Dhunat Upazila Health Complex,Bogura,Rajshahi 56. Dhupchachia Upazila Health Complex,Bogura,Rajshahi 57. Dimla Upazila Health Complex,Nilphamari,Rangpur 58. Dighalia Upazila Health Complex,Khulna,Khulna 59. Dighinala Upazila Health Complex,Khagrachari,Chittagong 60. Domar Upazila Health Complex,Nilphamari,Rangpur 61. Dumuria Upazila Health Complex,Khulna,Khulna 62. Faridpur Upazila Health Complex,Pabna,Rajshahi 63. Fenchuganj Upazila Health Complex,Sylhet,Sylhet 64. Galachipa Upazila Health Complex,Patuakhali,Barishal 65. Ghatail Upazila Health Complex,Tangail,Dhaka 66. Godagari Upazila Health Complex,Rajshahi,Rajshahi 67. Gournadi Upazila Health Complex,Barishal,Barishal 68. Gowainghat Upazila Health Complex,Sylhet,Sylhet 69. Gurudashpur Upazila Health Complex,Natore,Rajshahi 70. Haimchar Upazila Health Complex,Chandpur,Chittagong 71. Haluaghat Upazila Health Complex,Mymensingh,Mymensingh 72. Harinakunda Upazila Health Complex,Jhenaidah,Khulna 73. Haripur Upazila Health Complex,Thakurgaon,Rangpur 74. Harirampur Upazila Health Complex,Manikganj,Dhaka 75. Hatibandha Upazila Health Complex,Lalmonirhat,Rangpur 76. Islampur upazila Health Complex,Jamalpur,Mymensingh 77. Iswardi Upazila Health Complex,Pabna,Rajshahi 78. Jaldhaka Upazila Health Complex,Nilphamari,Rangpur 79. Jhenaigati Upazila Health Complex,Sherpur,Mymensingh 80. Jhikargacha Upazila Health Complex,Jashore,Khulna 81. Kachua Upazila Health Complex,Bagerhat,Khulna 82. Kachua Upazila Health Complex,Chandpur,Chittagong 83. Kalai Upazila Health Complex,Joypurhat,Rajshahi 84. Kalapara Upazila Health Complex,Patuakhali,Barishal 85. Kalia Upazila Health Complex,Narail,Khulna 86. Kaliganj Upazila Health Complex,Gazipur,Dhaka 87. Kalihati Upazila Health Complex,Tangail,Dhaka 88. Kalukhali Upazila Health Complex,Rajbari,Dhaka 89. Kamalganj Upazila Health Complex,Moulavibazar,Sylhet 90. Kaptai Upazila Health Complex,Rangamati,Chittagong 91. Kashiani Upazila Health Complex,Gopalganj,Dhaka 92. Kathalia Upazila Health Complex,Jhalokathi,Barishal 93. Katiadi Upazila Health Complex,kishoreganj,Dhaka 94. Kazipur Upazila Health Complex,Sirajgonj,Rajshahi 95. Kawkhali Upazila Health Complex,Pirojpur,Barishal 96. Kawkhali Upazila Health Complex,Rangamati,Chittagong 97. Khaliajhuri Upazila Health Complex,Netrokona,Mymensingh 98. Khetlal Upazila Health Complex,Joypurhat,Rajshahi 99. kishoreganj Upazila Health Complex,Nilphamari,Rangpur 100. Kotalipara Upazila Health Complex,Gopalganj,Dhaka 101. Kotchandpur Upazila Health Complex,Jhenaidah,Khulna 102. Koyra Upazila Health Complex,Khulna,Khulna 103. Kaunia Upazila Health Complex,Rangpur,Rangpur 104. Kulaura Upazila Health Complex,Moulvibazar,Sylhet 105. Lakshmichari Upazila Health Complex,Khagrachari,Chittagong 106. Lakhai Upazila Health Complex,Habiganj,Sylhet 107. Lalmohan Upazila Health Complex,Bhola,Barishal 108. Lalpur Upazila Health Complex,Natore,Rajshahi 109. Lohagara Upazila Health Complex,Narail,Khulna 110. Manikchari Upazila Health Complex,Khagrachari,Chittagong 111. Mathbaria Upazila Health Complex,Pirojpur,Barishal 112. Matiranga Upazila Health Complex,Khagrachari,Chittagong 113. Matlab Daxin Upazila Health Complex,Chandpur,Chittagong 114. Mirpur Upazila Health Complex,Kushtia,Khulna 115. Mithamoin Upazila Health Complex,kishoreganj,Dhaka 116. Mithapukur Upazila Health Complex,Rangpur,Rangpur 117. Modhupur Upazila Health Complex,Tangail,Dhaka 118. Mohadevpur Upazila Health Complex,Naogaon,Rajshahi 119. Mohalchari Upazila Health Complex,Khagrachari,Chittagong 120. Mohammadpur Upazila Health Complex,Magura,Khulna 121. Mohanganj Upazila Health Complex,Netrokona,Mymensingh 122. Moheshkhali Upazila Health Complex,Cox's Bazar,Chittagong 123. Mongla Upazila Health Complex,Bagerhat,Khulna 124. Morrelganj Upazila Health Complex,Bagerhat,Khulna 125. Mujibnagar upazila health complex,Meherpur,Khulna 126. Mukshedpur Upazila Health Complex,Gopalganj,Dhaka 127. Muktagacha Upazila Health Complex,Mymensingh,Mymensingh 128. Muradnagar Upazila Health Complex,Cumilla,Chittagong 129. Nabinagar Upazila Health Complex,B. Baria,Chittagong 130. Nachol Upazila Health Complex,Chapai Nawabganj,Rajshahi 131. Naikhongchari Upazila Health Complex,Bandarban,Chittagong 132. Nakla Upazila Health Complex,Sherpur,Mymensingh 133. Nalchity Upazila Health Complex,Jhalokathi,Barishal 134. Nalitabari Upazila health Complex,Sherpur,Mymensingh 135. Nasirnagar Upazila Health Complex,Brahmanbaria,Chittagong 136. Nazirpur Upazila Health Complex,Pirojpur,Barishal 137. Niamatpur Upazila Health Complex,Naogaon,Rajshahi 138. Paikgacha Upazila Health Complex,Khulna,Khulna 139. Pakundia Upazila Health Complex,Kishoreganj,Dhaka 140. Panchari Upazila Health Complex,Khagrachari,Chittagong 141. Panchbibi Upazila Health Complex,Joypurhat,Rajshahi 142. Pangsha Upazila Health Complex,Rajbari,Dhaka 143. Parbatipur Upazila Health Complex,Dinajpur,Rangpur 144. Patharghata Upazila Health Complex,Barishal,Barishal 145. Patnitala Upazila Health complex,Naogaon,Rajshahi 146. Patgram Upazila Health Complex,Lalmonirhat,Rangpur 147. Parsuram Upazila Health Complex,Feni,Chittagong 148. Pirgacha Upazila Health Complex,Rangpur,Rangpur 149. Pirganj Upazila Health Complex,Rangpur,Rangpur 150. Pirganj Upazila Health Complex,Thakurgaon,Rangpur 151. Purbadhala Upazila Health Complex,Netrokona,Mymensingh 152. Raiganj Upazila Health Complex,Sirajgonj,Rajshahi 153. Raipura Upazila Health Complex,Narsingdi,Dhaka 154. Rajapur Upazila Health Complex,Jhalokathi,Barishal 155. Rajarhat Upazila Health Complex,Kurigram,Rangpur 156. Rajoir Upazila Health Complex,Madaripur,Dhaka 157. Ramgarh Upazila Health Complex,Khagrachari,Chittagong 158. Rampal Upazila Health Complex,Bagerhat,Khulna 159. Sadullapur Upazila Health Complex,Gaibandha,Rangpur 160. Sadarpur Upazila Health Complex,Faridpur,Dhaka 161. Saidpur Upazila Health Complex,Nilphamari,Rangpur 162. Saint Martin 20 Bed Hospital,Cox's Bazar,Chittagong 163. Santhia Upazila Health Complex,Pabna,Rajshahi 164. Sarail Upazila Health Complex,B. Baria,Chittagong 165. Sarankhola Upazila Health Complex,Bagerhat,Khulna 166. Shahzadpur Upazila Health Complex,Sirajganj,Rajshahi 167. Shajahanpur Upazila Health Complex,Bogura,Rajshahi 168. Sarsa Upazila Health Complex,Jessore,Khulna 169. Saturia Upazila Health Complex,Manikganj,Dhaka 170. Sherpur Upazila Health Complex,Bogura,Rajshahi 171. Shibalaya Upazila Health complex,Manikgonj,Dhaka 172. Shibchar Upazila Health Complex,Madaripur,Dhaka 173. Shibganj Upazila Health Complex,Chapai Nawabganj,Rajshahi 174. Sreemangal Upazila Health Complex,Moulavibazar,Sylhet 175. Shantiganj Upazila Health Complex,Sylhet,Sylhet 176. Shyamnagar Upazila Health Complex,Satkhira,Khulna 177. Singair Upazila Health Complex,Manikganj,Dhaka 178. Singra Upazila Health Complex,Natore,Rajshahi 179. Sonagazi Upazila Health Complex,Feni,Chittagong 180. Subarnachar Upazila Health Complex,Noakhali,Chittagong 181. Sundarganj Upazila Health Complex,Gaibandha,Rangpur 182. Tajumuddin Upazila Health Complex,Bhola,Barishal 183. Tala Upazila Health Complex,Sathkhira,Khulna 184. Tanore Upazila Health Complex,Rajshahi,Rajshahi 185. Tarail Upazila Health Complex,kishoreganj,Dhaka 186. Taraganj Upazila Health Complex,Rangpur,Rangpur 187. Tarash Upazila Health Complex,Sirajgonj,Rajshahi 188. Teknaf Upazila Health Complex,Cox's Bazar,Chittagong 189. Tetulia Upazila Health Complex,Panchagarh,Rangpur 190. Trishal Upazila Health Complex,Mymensingh,Mymensingh 191. Tungipara Upazila Health Complex,Gopalganj,Dhaka 192. Ukhia Upazila Health Complex,Cox's Bazar,Chittagong 193. Ulipur Upazila Health Complex,Kurigram,Rangpur 194. Zokiganj Upazila Health Complex,Sylhet,Sylhet **3\. 40 Centers Exclusively as Providers**: 1. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Dhaka 2. National Institute of Diseases of the Chest & Hospital (NIDCH), Dhaka, Dhaka 3. National Institute Of Cancer Research And Hospital (NICRH), Dhaka, Dhaka 4. National Institute Of Cardiovascular Disease (NICVD), Dhaka, Dhaka 5. National Institute of Kidney Disease and Urology (NIKDU), Dhaka, Dhaka 6. National Institute Of Neuro Science (NINS), Dhaka, Dhaka 7. National Institute Of Ophthalmology (NIO), Dhaka, Dhaka 8. National Institute of Traumatology and Rehabilitation (NITOR), Dhaka, Dhaka 9. National Institute Of Mental Health (NIMH), Dhaka, Dhaka 10. National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Dhaka, Dhaka 11. National Gastroliver Institute & Hospital, Dhaka, Dhaka 12. Gopalganj Eye Hospital And Training Institute, Gopalganj, Dhaka 13. National Institute of ENT, Dhaka, Dhaka 14. Dhaka Medical College hospital, Dhaka, Dhaka, Dhaka 15. Sir Solimullah Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Dhaka 16. Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Dhaka 17. Mugda Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Dhaka 18. Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Mymensingh 19. Khulna Medical College Hospital, Khulna, Khulna 20. Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Rajshahi, Rajshahi 21. Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Barishal, Barishal 22. Rangpur Medical College Hospital, Rangpur, Rangpur 23. MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, Sylhet, Sylhet 24. Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Chittagong, Chittagong 25. Cumilla Medical College Hospital, Cumilla, Chittagong 26. Colonel Malek Medical College Hospital, Manikgong, Dhaka 27. Bandarban District Hospital, Bandarban, Chittagong 28. Gaibandha District Hospital, Gaibandha, Rangpur 29. Gopalganj 250 bed General Hospital, Gopalganj, Dhaka 30. Lakshmipur District Hospital, Lakshmipur, Chittagong 31. Moulvibazar District Hospital, Moulvibazar, Sylhet 32. Naogaon District Hoispital, Naogaon, Rajshahi 33. Nilphamari District Hospital, Nilphamari, Rangpur 34. Patuakhali District Hospital, Patuakhali, Barishal 35. Satkhira District Hospital, Satkhira, Khulna 36. Tangail 250 Bed District Hospital, Tangail, Dhaka 37. Thakurgaon District Hospital, Thakurgaon, Rangpur 38. Sirajganj District Hospital, Sirajganj, Rajshahi 39. Chaddagram Upazila Health Complex, Cumilla, Chittagong 40. Management Information System (MIS), Dhaka, Dhaka - **Service Providers & Receivers**: 1. **40** service providers. 2. **194** service receivers. - **Equipment**: Centers are furnished with telestethoscopes, teleECG, telemicroscopes, teleglucometers, advanced cameras, large screens, desktop computers, UPS, etc. (provided by MIS, DGHS). - **Cost & Access**: Consultations with specialist doctors at any hospital are provided free of charge for patients at upazila health complexes or for referral cases. **Most Common Diseases Treated via Telemedicine** 1. B86 Scabies 2. B354 Tinea corporis 3. B000 Eczema herpeticum 4. L70 Acne 5. L23 Allergic contact dermatitis 6. L089 Local infection of skin and subcutaneous tissue, unspecified 7. L20 Atopic dermatitis 8. H10 Conjunctivitis 9. L40 Psoriasis 10. M545 Low back pain 11. L01 Impetigo 12. L80 Vitiligo 13. L21 Seborrhoeic dermatitis 14. R51 Headache 15. B68 Taeniasis **Offered Services** 1. **Teleconsultation** 2. **Mental Health Support** 3. **Health Information & Awareness** **Advantages** 1. **Accessibility**: - Connects rural patients with urban specialists. - Reduces travel time and associated costs. 2. **Affordability**: - Minimizes financial burden of in-person visits. - Some services subsidized by government or NGOs. 3. **Efficiency**: - Cuts down patient wait times. - Streamlines follow-ups and chronic disease management. 4. **Crisis Response**: - Instrumental during COVID-19 to lessen load on physical facilities. **Limitations & Challenges** 1. **Awareness & Trust**: - Low awareness among rural residents. - Cultural skepticism toward online consultations. 2. **Healthcare Professional Training**: - Insufficient training for telemedicine tools. - Resistance from some providers to adopt digital methods. 3. **Regulatory & Policy Gaps**: - Lack of clear telemedicine regulations and guidelines. - Concerns about data privacy and security. 4. **Equipment Costs**: - High initial setup expense for telemedicine platforms and diagnostics. **Future Prospects** 1. **Government Vision**: - Increased funding and partnerships for telemedicine infrastructure. 2. **Technology Integration**: - AI-driven diagnostic support. - Mobile apps for personalized healthcare management. 3. **Public-Private Partnerships**: - Collaboration between government and private sector to scale services. 4. **Focused Training & Awareness**: - Training programs for healthcare professionals. - Awareness campaigns for local communities. 5. **International Collaborations**: - Partnerships with global telemedicine providers for advanced solutions.