chatbot-knowledge/Telemedicine.md

**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.