The Bangladesh Digital Health Strategy 2023–2027

The Bangladesh Digital Health Strategy 2023–2027 outlines a comprehensive vision for transforming the nation’s healthcare system by harnessing the power of digital technologies. Building on prior digital health initiatives and aligned with the broader objectives of Vision 2041 and the Digital Bangladesh agenda, this strategy aims to ensure equitable, accessible, and efficient healthcare for all citizens. It recognises the potential of digital solutions to bridge health service gaps, particularly in underserved areas, and to empower both providers and patients through better data, smarter systems, and timely access to care.

The strategy acknowledges the lessons learned from previous health system digitisation efforts and the evolving global digital health landscape. It integrates recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and aligns with the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025. The plan places people at the centre of health innovation, ensuring that technologies are used responsibly and ethically, with an emphasis on data security, privacy, and sustainability.

Vision

To create a resilient, inclusive, and technology-enabled health system that delivers quality and affordable healthcare services to every citizen of Bangladesh, regardless of geography or socio-economic status.

Mission

To develop a sustainable and interoperable digital health ecosystem that empowers individuals and health workers, supports evidence-based decision-making, and enhances service delivery through innovation and data-driven governance.

Strategic pillars

1. Governance and institutional framework
   Establishing robust leadership and governance structures for digital health, with clear roles across ministries and agencies. This includes strengthening regulatory frameworks, digital health policies, and stakeholder coordination mechanisms.
2. Infrastructure and interoperability
   Expanding digital infrastructure to ensure nationwide connectivity in health facilities and promoting interoperable systems that enable seamless data sharing across platforms and providers.
3. Service delivery and innovation
   Enhancing service delivery by integrating digital tools in primary care, telemedicine, diagnostics, maternal and child health, and non-communicable diseases. Emphasis is placed on innovation in service models and using mobile health (mHealth) and artificial intelligence (AI).
4. Human resource capacity and digital literacy
   Building the capacity of health professionals and administrators through continuous training, with digital literacy programs for both providers and the public to ensure effective system use and adoption.
5. Data governance, privacy, and cybersecurity
   Creating a trusted environment for health data by implementing strong data protection, privacy, and security measures, and ensuring ethical use of health information.
6. Monitoring, evaluation, and research
   Developing a national monitoring and evaluation framework that tracks progress, supports research, and encourages adaptive learning in the digital health ecosystem.

Goals

• Ensure that all public health facilities are digitally connected and capable of using electronic health records (EHRs) by 2027
• Integrate telehealth services across 80% of upazilas
• Improve health data interoperability across key government and private platforms
• Train over 100,000 health professionals in digital health tools and practices
• Establish a national health information exchange (HIE) framework
• Strengthen cybersecurity protocols for all national health databases

Focus areas

• Digital health ID linked with the national ID system
• AI-based health decision support systems for frontline workers
• Expansion of mHealth platforms for maternal and child health tracking
• Development of citizen-centric mobile applications for appointment booking, health information, and feedback
• Promotion of public-private partnerships for digital health innovations