Beyond the System: How Youths Are Bridging the Health Gaps in Bangladesh’s UHC Journey

As a nation committed to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Bangladesh faced an unprecedented challenge when devastating floods, exacerbated by political instability following the July Uprising, swept across the country. With millions displaced and remote communities cut off from essential services, the healthcare system—already fragile and under strain—was ill-prepared to manage the crisis. Logistical failures and a shortage of resources compounded the problem, making immediate action critical.

In this moment of crisis, the glaring shortage of healthcare professionals became evident. Bangladesh’s healthcare system is already stretched thin, with only 0.5 doctors per 1,000 people, and the demand for urgent care grew exponentially. As the government struggled to mobilize sufficient resources, the need for more manpower became a top priority. Recognizing this gap, we from Bangladesh Medical Students' Society (BMSS), saw an opportunity for youth-led action to play an important role in bridging the healthcare gap.

BMSS, the national member organization of the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA) in Bangladesh, mobilized swiftly to support the government's efforts during the crisis. I had the privilege of coordinating BMSS's Emergency Response Team, working alongside a dedicated group of medical students, young doctors, and volunteers. We set up numerous medical camps in flood-hit regions like Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, and Kurigram, where the government’s response had been delayed or insufficient.

In Feni, we organized nine medical camps, where over 7,000 individuals received medical consultations, essential medicines, water purification tablets, saline bags, and hygiene education. In Noakhali, our teams treated more than 600 patients and distributed vital relief supplies to over 450 families. These camps not only provided urgent medical care but also filled the critical void left by the overwhelmed government system, particularly in the most remote and flood-prone areas.

“In times of crisis, when the healthcare system is overwhelmed, it is crucial for youth organizations to step up. Our medical teams, composed of young doctors and medical students, worked tirelessly to fill the gaps left by the overwhelmed government system, ensuring that those in remote and flood-prone areas received the care they desperately needed. This is the true spirit of UHC—ensuring healthcare is accessible to all, especially during emergencies.”

Our efforts went beyond medical care. Our volunteers actively participated in rescue operations, provided relief supplies, and raised awareness about hygiene and disease prevention. The sense of solidarity and resilience demonstrated by the youth was inspiring and vital in minimizing the devastating impact of the floods.

This experience reinforced the importance of youth involvement in national health systems, particularly in moments of crisis. As Bangladesh continues to work toward UHC, it is clear that youth-led initiatives can play an indispensable role in addressing gaps within the healthcare system. Our swift, coordinated response showed that young people are not only capable of supporting healthcare systems but can also strengthen them, particularly during emergencies.

In the broader context of Bangladesh’s pursuit of UHC, it became evident to me that achieving this goal is not solely the responsibility of the government. UHC must involve the active participation of all sectors of society, including youth organizations. Through collaboration, innovation, and commitment—especially from the youth—we can move closer to providing universal healthcare for all, particularly in times of crisis.

As Bangladesh continues its journey towards Universal Health Coverage, one must ask: If the youth, driven by resilience and compassion, can step in to fill the gaps in a healthcare system stretched thin during emergencies, should their role in shaping the future of healthcare be seen as indispensable? The recent floods highlighted the weaknesses in our healthcare infrastructure, but also underscored a critical truth—the responsibility for ensuring healthcare for all doesn’t solely lie with youth or non-governmental efforts; ultimately, health: it’s on the government. However, the commitment and collaboration from all sectors, especially the youth, are vital in bridging the gaps until we reach a truly equitable and accessible health system for all.

As we mark UHC Day 2024, we must ask: Can the government recognize this potential and build a sustainable partnership that ensures no one is left behind? The answer, perhaps, is already being written by those who dare to lead.