From paper prescriptions to digital care: A new hope for Bangladesh

Imagine walking into a hospital in Bangladesh without carrying a bundle of prescriptions, waiting hours for a ticket or repeating your medical history to every new doctor. What sounds like a distant dream could become part of the country’s healthcare future.

Bangladesh has announced a nationwide push towards digital healthcare, with plans for a universal electronic health card and a competition inviting young innovators to help transform the system.

State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr M A Muhit unveiled the initiative on 18 October 2026 at a Dhaka event organised in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO).

At its heart is an ambitious plan to build a national health database covering nearly 200 million people. Medical consultations, prescriptions, medicine purchases and test results could eventually become part of connected health records.

For patients, the potential benefits are considerable. Doctors could access previous medical information more easily, while families might spend less time navigating paperwork and hospital queues.

One proposed solution is an appointment system allowing patients to book specific time slots through mobile applications, rather than arriving early and waiting for hours.

The government is also exploring digital tracking of medicines supplied to public hospitals to prevent illegal sales and improve accountability.

Young innovators will have an opportunity to contribute through a national e-Hackathon. Selected teams will attend a three-day training programme in Dhaka, receiving guidance from local and international experts to develop practical healthcare solutions.

However, digital convenience brings serious responsibilities. Protecting personal medical information, preventing misuse and ensuring secure access will be essential.

There is another challenge: making sure rural communities, older patients and people without smartphones are not left behind.

A digital health card alone cannot solve shortages of doctors, medicines or hospital beds. Yet, if thoughtfully introduced, it could make healthcare more organised, accessible and responsive.

For millions of Bangladeshis accustomed to crowded hospital corridors and endless paperwork, that would be a welcome beginning.

The real test will be whether these promises translate into shorter queues, safer records and better care for everyone.

Learn more about the national e-Hackathon on https://ehealthhackathonbd.org/