Eliminate the fragile state of government research in health sector

In the modern world, knowledge is power, and for gaining and advancing in any field, substantial research is essential. Without research, knowledge cannot be generated. Without knowledge, real solutions to problems are not possible. However, in Bangladesh, research is inadequate in almost every sector. There is very little research in areas like education, health, science, and society. This is one of the main reasons our nation is lagging behind.

Among the small-scale research that does take place in various sectors, numerous allegations of irregularities arise. According to a news report published on Monday (April 21), questions have emerged regarding government-sponsored research in the health sector. Many research projects were awarded to favored individuals and institutions. Several of these projects were not properly completed. As a result, government funds were wasted, and the public did not benefit from these studies. This has been observed particularly in several studies and surveys conducted over the past eight years by the Directorate General of Health Services’ Non-Communicable Disease Control (NCDC) and Communicable Disease Control (CDC) divisions.

The question is: is health research a contract job that can be handed out to preferred individuals or institutions? Can health research be conducted without qualified personnel and institutions? Is it like constructing roads or buildings, where putting up anything will do? Such irregularities seem possible only in Bangladesh.

Due to Bangladesh’s high population density, disease outbreaks are more frequent. Moreover, most people are low-income and have limited education. They lack awareness about health issues. In addition, our air, water, and food are heavily polluted. Around 800,000 people die annually in Bangladesh from 62 types of communicable and 130 types of non-communicable diseases. In terms of disease-related deaths, Bangladesh ranks among the top globally. Yet, the health sector here still receives a budget far below what's needed, and even less is allocated for health research. In the 2024–25 fiscal year, only 1 billion BDT (100 crore) has been allocated for health research. That amount is now barely enough to set up a small factory. Even this 1 billion BDT is not used properly—research projects are handed out to acquaintances. So how will health research improve in this country?

Investigations have revealed numerous inconsistencies in key research and surveys conducted by the Directorate, including favoritism, financial irregularities, failure to submit research reports, and poor documentation of findings.

People in Bangladesh suffer from 226 identified diseases—each of which requires specific research. What can be done with just 1 billion BDT? Diseases don’t remain static from year to year—their patterns and behaviors change with climate and diet. In the modern world, technological research is being conducted on all diseases. New data and insights are constantly emerging. Especially for non-communicable diseases that are increasing in Bangladesh—such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, respiratory inflammation, arsenic-related diseases, thalassemia, mental health issues, palliative care, air and noise pollution, kidney diseases—extensive research is vital. We must understand why the number of patients is increasing and how to prevent it. For now, we still depend on foreign research and medicine for treatment. But many of these illnesses have environmental causes specific to us. If we don't research them ourselves, it will be self-destructive.

Some private institutions conduct high-quality research in the health sector, but they often don’t receive government projects. Allegations suggest that a group within the health department controls research assignments and funding. We want this corrupt system in Bangladesh to be dismantled. Research work should be given to qualified individuals and institutions, not based on favoritism. At the same time, the health research budget should be increased. But increasing the budget alone is not enough—it must be used effectively. Otherwise, skilled and talented researchers will not engage in this vital work.