Govt must ensure smooth supply of medicines for the patients

It is concerning that the government’s Bangladesh Hypertension Control Initiative (BHCI), a programme that has shown considerable success in managing hypertension nationwide, is facing a major challenge due to funding crisis. According to the WHO’s 2025 Global Report on Hypertension, between October 2018 and June 2024, 56 percent of 5.17 lakh treated patients in Bangladesh achieved blood pressure control. This is commendable, especially in a country where non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the rise. However, following the expiry of the Fourth Health, Population, and Nutrition Sector Programme (HPNSP) in June 2024—which used to fund the supply of medicines and equipment to NCD corners in hospitals—the supply of essential medicines has been disrupted. Health experts say this will increase patients’ out-of-pocket costs and raise the risk of life-threatening complications from sudden interruptions in medication, as many may discontinue treatment.Reportedly, under the BHCI programme, patients with hypertension and diabetes used to receive free check-ups and medicines at Upazila Health Complexes (UHCs) and select district hospitals. But after the Fourth HPNSP ended last year, the interim government scrapped the proposed Fifth HPNSP. Instead, it decided to initiate two projects to complete the unfinished tasks under the Fourth HPNSP and ensure continued medicine supply. But since these projects have yet to be approved, the suffering of rural and marginalised patients has increased. While the health ministry has allocated Tk 100 crore to the Essential Drugs Company Limited (EDCL) to resume medicine distribution, officials say it may take two to three months for the supply to normalise. This is concerning as such interruptions in medicine supply could lead to life-threatening complications and reverse the gains made under BHCI.Hypertension remains a major public health concern in Bangladesh, with 22.8 million adults aged 30-79 affected in 2024. Of them, 19.2 million had uncontrolled blood pressure, and only 16 percent had their condition under control. Unless the government continues the relevant projects, many among these people will be left vulnerable. We, therefore, urge the authorities to quickly approve and implement the proposed projects to complete the unfinished tasks under the Fourth HPNSP and ensure uninterrupted medicine supply for hypertension and diabetes patients. Most importantly, the government needs to establish a sustainable funding mechanism, strengthen the supply chain, and ensure accountability to maintain the momentum of BHCI and safeguard the health of millions.