Enhancing Healthcare in Bangladesh with Air Ambulance Services

 Importance of Air Ambulance Services in Bangladesh 

• Bangladesh is known as the greenest jewel in South Asia, with over 700 rivers braiding the nation and creating a lush landscape with vibrant shades of green.
• Boat travel is a way of life in Bangladesh and offers unique perspectives for exploring the country.
• Poor infrastructure and an undeveloped economy are hurdles to Bangladesh's progress.
• Bangladesh is located in South Asia and is vulnerable to floods, cyclones, and rising sea levels due to global warming.
• The official name of Bangladesh is the Bangladesh People's Republic, with a population of 163,187,000, making it the eighth-most populated nation in the world.
• Bangladesh is a unitary parliamentary republic with a chairman and a prime minister.
• Bengali is the prime language spoken by 98% of the population, and Islam is the predominant religion.
• Bangladesh experiences six distinctive seasons, including rainy and hot times, summer, autumn, winter, and spring.
• The country's GDP is $195.1 billion, with a per capita nominal GDP of $3,900.
• The Gangas, Brahmaputra, and Meghna Rivers flow from the Himalayas, providing nutrients to replenish the land in Bangladesh.
• Bangladesh shares borders with India and has a brief southeastern frontier with Burma (Myanmar).
• The country has faced political instability, and the 1970 hurricane was one of the worst domestic catastrophes, causing significant loss of life.
• Despite the impact of natural disasters on historic monuments, Bangladesh still possesses a rich culture and history.
• Bangladesh has the world's fifth-largest population of Muslims, and rice is the main food staple, often accompanied by several curries.
• The official currency of Bangladesh is Taka, and there are 17 colleges in the country.
• Fertile soil, enriched by heavy rainfall, supports agriculture and provides employment opportunities.
• Bangladesh's literacy levels are improving as the poverty rate decreases, and the country has abundant and fertile land due to the deltaic plain formed by its three major rivers. 

Air ambulance service in Dhaka

Healthcare System in Bangladesh. 

• Bangladesh has implemented significant healthcare measures, making it an example for other emerging nations despite being resource-poor.
• The healthcare system in Bangladesh has witnessed improvements in key health indicators such as life expectancy and immunization coverage over the past decade.
• The Expanded Immunization Program in Bangladesh has achieved notable success in providing virtually universal access to vaccination facilities, focusing on childhood immunization.
• The proportion of children under the age of 1 receiving a tuberculosis vaccine has increased from 2% in 1985 to 99% in 2009, indicating enhanced coverage of vaccines.
• Challenges in the healthcare sector include poor access to healthcare, low-quality care, elevated maternal mortality rates, and poor child health status.
• According to recent accounts from the Bangladesh National Accounts, Bangladesh spends $2.3 billion on healthcare, which amounts to $16.20 per individual.
• Despite the availability of these advantages to all, the state-run scheme leaves many ill individuals untreated.
• Maternal, infant, and child mortality rates have increased in the Bangladesh healthcare system.
• Targets for HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria therapy and prevention are being pursued, with organizations like USAID providing significant assistance.
• The healthcare system in Bangladesh serves as a commendable example for other Asian nations, demonstrating the successful efforts of the state, NGOs, and private sector programs to provide affordable healthcare.

Why do air ambulance services are Important in Bangladesh?

• Air ambulance services are addressing prime outbreaks, epidemics, natural catastrophes, and emergency medicine in Bangladesh.
• A lack of advanced medical expertise and therapy options can create the necessity for air ambulance services in Bangladesh.
• Air ambulances enhance the capacity to transport to the proper medical facility within the appropriate time frame.
• Air ambulance services are a well-adapted system worldwide and contribute to healthcare in Bangladesh.
• Bangladesh has made progress in parameters, but the following options can be more helpful for the country:

1. Increase the availability and accessibility of air ambulance services.
2. Enhance coordination and collaboration between air ambulance providers, medical facilities, and emergency response teams.
3. Invest in training and equipping air ambulance personnel with advanced medical technologies.
4. Promote awareness and education about the benefits and utilization of air ambulance services among the population.
5. Develop robust protocols and systems for rapid deployment and effective utilization of air ambulances during emergencies.
6. Strengthen infrastructure and navigation systems to support the efficient operation of air ambulance services.
7. Collaborate with international partners and organizations to exchange knowledge and best practices in air ambulance services.

 

Air ambulance services play a crucial role in the healthcare system of Bangladesh. The country has made significant strides in improving its healthcare industry. However, due to factors such as floods, epidemics, natural disasters, and serious accidents, there is a need for air ambulance services to accommodate emergencies.

• Bangladesh has vital health indicators, such as life expectancy, immunization coverage, and reduced infant and female mortality rates.
• The Expanded Immunization Programme in Bangladesh has successfully provided universal access to vaccination facilities, ensuring a high proportion of children receive tuberculosis vaccines.
• Challenges persist in the healthcare system, including poor access to healthcare, low-quality care, high maternal mortality rates, and poor child health status.
• The Bangladesh government allocated $2.3 billion for healthcare, equivalent to $16.20 per person. However, the state-run healthcare system fails to offer adequate funding for many patients.
• Bangladesh made progress in addressing HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, but maternal, infant, and child deaths remain a concern in the healthcare system.
• Air ambulance services address prime outbreaks, epidemics, natural disasters, and emergencies.
• Air ambulances provide a means to transport patients to appropriate medical facilities within a shorter time frame, particularly in the critical first hour after an accident or emergency.
• The poor road network in Bangladesh can delay patients' access to hospitals, making air ambulances essential for bypassing obstacles and ensuring timely medical care.
• Air ambulances are essential medical equipment such as ventilators, ECGs, multi-parameter monitors, and stretchers to cater to critical patients during transit to specialized centres.
• Air ambulances also address the issue of limited accessibility to structural care centres, particularly in urban areas, by providing efficient and rapid transportation for individuals in remote regions to receive specialized care. 

In terms of the air ambulance industry, the global market size was valued at USD 3.7 billion in 2016, with an expected growth rate of 9.37 per cent over the next five years.

In conclusion, air ambulance services play a vital role in Bangladesh's healthcare system. The country faces crucial outbreaks, epidemics, natural catastrophes, and a lack of advanced medical expertise and therapy. Air ambulances provide a solution by enhancing the capacity to transport patients to the appropriate medical facility within the proper time frame. This well-adapted system has proven its importance worldwide.