Experts for ensuring adequate budget to combat NCDs
Experts at a webinar today stressed on ensuring adequate budget allocation in the upcoming 2026-27 national budget and availability of medicines to combat hypertension and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Despite the alarming rise of hypertension and other NCDs in Bangladesh, a significant gap still remains in sustainable financing in controlling these diseases. They viewed this at the webinar, titled “Sustainable Financing for Hypertension Control: Bangladesh Perspective,” organized by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), marking the World Health Day- 2026.
Journalists, representatives from civil society, relevant subject-matter experts, and participants from various regions, including Rangpur, and professions across the country, participated in the webinar. The experts noted that the growing prevalence of hypertension is significantly increasing the burden of NCDs in Bangladesh. According to the Health and Morbidity Status Survey-2025 by Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), hypertension ranks first among the top ten diseases in the country. Currently, 71 percent of total deaths in Bangladesh are caused by NCDs.
However, budget allocation for this sector remains critically low, accounting for only 4.2 percent of the total health budget. Although the government has made a landmark decision to supply hypertension medicines in all Community Clinics; uninterrupted availability of these medicines is being hindered due to insufficient budget allocation.
As a result, delivery of free hypertension medication for marginalised populations remains a challenge. Director General (Additional Secretary) of the Health Economics Unit Dr Md Enamul Haque stated, “To ensure the supply of hypertension medicines in all Community Clinics, increasing budget allocation is essential.” “At the same time, efficient and strategic utilisation of allocated funds can significantly improve hypertension control nationwide,” he added.
Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Research at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute Professor Dr Sohel Reza Choudhury said that hypertension is a silent killer and a major cause of premature death. “Sustainable financing can ensure regular medicine supply at Community Clinics, which would significantly reduce health risks related to hypertension,” he opined.
Professor of the Institute of Health Economics of the University of Dhaka Dr Syed Abdul Hamid said, “Alongside sustainable financing, effective implementation of public health policies and plans is crucial for controlling hypertension.” Deputy General Manager (Sales and Marketing) of Essential Drugs Company Limited Md Riad Arafin said, “Ensuring adequate budget allocation will make it possible to maintain uninterrupted medicine supply for marginalised communities.”
President of the Economic Reporters’ Forum (ERF) Doulot Akter Mala said, “While deaths from NCDs are high, budget allocation remains very low. Increasing allocation to this sector is essential to protect public health.”Other discussants at the webinar included Bangladesh Country Lead of GHAI Muhammad Ruhul Quddus and President Elect of the Public Health Association of Bangladesh Dr Abu Jamil Faisel. Executive Director of PROGGA ABM Zubair chaired the event moderated by its Programme Officer Samiha Bintay Kamal.
