Bangladesh Medical University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Md Shahinul Alam on Saturday said personal expenditure on healthcare in Bangladesh now stands at 73 per cent and called for urgent measures to reduce it.
Delivering the keynote address at Shaheed Dr Milton Hall a seminar on the occasion of World Lupus Day 2025, Shahinul Alam highlighted that instead of decreasing, out-of-pocket expenses by patients have risen sharply, despite a national target for 2030 that aims to shift the burden – 70 per cent government funding and 30 per cent patient contribution.
“In this situation, it is the need of the hour to reduce the patient’s own expenses for treatment,” he said.
He pointed out that the major chunk of health spending comes from medicine purchases, and emphasised the importance of evidence-based treatment practices and prescribing only essential and affordable medicines.
“Doctors must prescribe only those medicines that are absolutely necessary for the patient and available at affordable prices. No unregistered or unnecessary drugs should be prescribed under any circumstances.”
Dr Shahinul cited the Department of Rheumatology at BMU, formerly BSMMU, as a model example, where doctors follow strict guidelines to ensure cost-effective treatment.
He urged all medical professionals to adopt similar practices to help bring down treatment costs.
The Vice Chancellor praised the BMU Department of Rheumatology for its international-standard faculty, research contributions, and leadership in clinical practice, education, and service delivery.
“This department is setting a benchmark across multiple areas. They’ve developed their own treatment guidelines and are leading in academic publications as well.”
He also encouraged resident physicians at BMU to participate more actively in outpatient services and called on relevant departments to begin patient consultations at the Super Specialised Hospital.
Professor Dr Md Abul Kalam Azad, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration), suggested introducing telemedicine services in the Rheumatology Department to make healthcare more accessible to patients.
The seminar was part of a series of events held throughout the day, including a colourful rally organised by the Department of Rheumatology, and another event hosted by the Department of Paediatrics with a seminar in C Block. The theme for this year’s World Lupus Day was “Make Lupus Visible.”
With rising health costs and complex diseases like lupus affecting growing numbers of people, the call for cost-effective, ethical, and evidence-based medical practices has never been louder.
As Bangladesh moves toward universal health coverage, the role of doctors in reducing the financial burden on patients will be critical. Dr Shahinul Alam concluded: “Only when we commit to rational prescribing, transparency, and patient-first care can we truly bring down the cost of treatment—and make healthcare accessible for all.”
Lupus: A silent but serious threat
According to speakers at the event, lupus remains one of the most misunderstood diseases globally. In Bangladesh, awareness about the condition is particularly low.
- Lupus affects 20 to 150 people per 1,00,000, with 90 per cent of cases occurring in young women.
- It is an autoimmune disease that can damage various organs including the brain, heart, kidneys, and eyes.
Common symptoms include: Hair loss, facial rashes resembling butterfly wings, extreme fatigue, joint pain and swelling, sensitivity to sunlight, and swelling around hands, feet, and eyes.
Although the term "lupus" originates from Latin for "wolf," reflecting the sudden and aggressive nature of the disease, its exact cause remains unknown.
“Raising public awareness is crucial,” said one speaker. “It can lead to early diagnosis and better management of the disease.”
Professor Dr Md Abul Kalam Azad, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Dr Md Mujibur Rahman Howlader, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Development), Treasurer Professor Dr Nahrin Akhtar, Dean of Faculty of Medicine Professor Dr Md Shamim Ahmed, Dean of Faculty of Pediatrics Professor Dr Md Atiar Rahman, Registrar Professor Dr Md Nazrul Islam, Chairman of Rheumatology Department Professor Dr Md Abu Shahin, Chairman of Paediatrics Department Professor Dr Manik Kumar Talukder, faculty members, doctors, residents, and patients from both departments attended the event.