Private sector healthcare in Bangladesh: Implications for social justice and the right to healthcare

Abstract

Based on a brief examination of private sector healthcare in Bangladesh, this article examines two questions: (a) the compatibility of social justice and the right to healthcare with the private provision of healthcare, (b) the implication of the private sector’s role in realising social justice and the right to healthcare. It is based on an extensive review of both published and unpublished documents including journal articles, government reports, policy and planning documents, as well as reports of United Nations, the World Health Organisation and the World Bank. Different search engines and databases were used to collect the documents. Thematic data analysis techniques were used in developing the text. Private provision of healthcare services raises concerns about social justice and the right to healthcare. This sector to some extent is unable to fulfil its obligation to realise social justice and the right to healthcare in the provision of healthcare. An expanding private sector role creates complexities in promoting and protecting the right to health and social justice. The study emphasised the role of the government to engage its political will and make changes in policy and governance to engage private sector in realising right to healthcare and social justice.