Progga Das

Healthcare is a fundamental human right. Yet, in developing countries like Bangladesh, the availability of affordable and quality medicines remains a major challenge. The landscape of the healthcare market is heavily tilted toward the private sector, marked by expensive treatment, the infiltration of substandard medicines, and widespread fraud disguised as pharmacy services. In this context, the idea of a state-run pharmacy system has emerged as a groundbreaking initiative in the healthcare sector. A state-run pharmacy is a model where the government directly undertakes the production, procurement, and affordable distribution of medicines to the public. Over the past few decades, Bangladesh has made notable progress in healthcare through public hospitals, community clinics, and various national health projects. However, due to high medicine prices, the presence of counterfeit drugs, and an inadequate supply chain, many people are still deprived of essential medical treatments. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, nearly 60% of healthcare expenses in Bangladesh are paid out-of-pocket, a significant portion of which goes toward purchasing medicines. Furthermore, as per the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and local investigative reports, about 95% of medicines in Bangladesh are distributed through the private sector, with at least 20% of them being counterfeit or of substandard quality. The sale of drugs without prescriptions, untrained individuals running pharmacies, and a powerful commission-based syndicate have severely undermined the integrity of the pharmaceutical distribution system. The situation is even more dire in rural areas. Often, people have to travel to towns to purchase medicine due to the lack of nearby pharmacies, leading to severe hardship, especially in emergencies. The nationwide expansion of government pharmacies could permanently solve this problem for rural populations. The core objective of state-run pharmacies is not just to provide medicines at affordable prices, but also to establish a safe, humane, and organized drug distribution network. The government plans to set up these pharmacies in every district and sub-district, staffed by trained pharmacists and supported by a reliable supply of quality medicines. Connected to healthcare centers, these pharmacies will serve as comprehensive service hubs offering prescription-based medicines and guidance on proper usage, possible side effects, and storage methods. The necessity for such a system has long been felt. In an average household, if one member suffers from a chronic condition like diabetes, hypertension, or cancer, monthly medicine expenses alone can reach several thousand taka. Even when treatment is received from government hospitals, medicines must be purchased from outside sources often at high prices and with questionable quality. If the government can ensure the supply of these essential drugs at fair prices through state-run pharmacies, it will not only reduce the financial burden on families but also enhance the overall effectiveness of treatment. However, the implementation of this initiative comes with significant challenges. Establishing and managing state-run pharmacies will require substantial financial investment. The government must allocate sufficient funds in the national health budget and seek support from international donor organizations. There are also risks of corruption and mismanagement in medicine procurement, storage, and distribution, which demand strict oversight and accountability mechanisms. Additionally, a powerful faction of private pharmacy owners may oppose this initiative due to conflicting interests. A balanced approach must be developed to manage this resistance and ensure a healthy coexistence. Skilled human resources will be essential for drug production, distribution, and management. Hence, the government must invest in training pharmacists, technicians, and administrators. Moreover, infrastructural limitations such as inadequate electricity and internet access in remote areas must be addressed. If implemented successfully, this initiative will have far-reaching impacts beyond just lowering treatment costs. It could become a symbol of the state's responsibility towards its citizens’ health, redefine national health policy, and serve as a strong foundation for future developments in health insurance, digital health records, and public health research. A state-run pharmacy is not merely a government-run store, it is a declaration by the state against a market-driven, profit-centered healthcare system. It is a response to years of dissatisfaction and unaffordable medical care. If this initiative gains constitutional backing, is protected from corruption, and sustained by political will, Bangladesh could indeed witness a silent revolution in healthcare. This is more than a policy shift, it is a bold state intervention in securing the right to live a healthy life for every citizen.

The writer is a student, Department of Economics Eden Mohila College.She can be reached  at Email: proggadas2005@gmail.com