HEALTHCARE
Health is the Foundation of All Happiness
For good health, it is necessary to ensure access to proper healthcare services and the right of every person to receive affordable and easily accessible medical facilities.
Even today, the world has not been able to ensure proper healthcare for all people. COVID-19, the coronavirus, clearly demonstrated this to us. This is our failure – the failure of humanity.
The same can be said about the health and medical care system of a country.
Healthcare Services of the Bangladesh Armed Forces: A Review of National Welfare, Military Medicine, and Humanitarian Services from an International Perspective
Introduction
Health is one of the principal foundations of human resource development, national security, and sustainable development of a country. A capable and healthy armed force is indispensable not only for a country’s defence capability but also serves as an important resource in responding to disasters, pandemics, and humanitarian crises. The Bangladesh Armed Forces—the Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy, and Bangladesh Air Force—operate a well-organized military healthcare system for their personnel and their families. In addition, at various times, they provide medical and humanitarian healthcare services to civilians in accordance with government directives.
1) Objectives of Military Healthcare Services
The main objectives of the healthcare system of the Bangladesh Armed Forces are to ensure the physical and mental well-being of military personnel; provide rapid and quality medical treatment; strengthen preventive healthcare systems; provide medical assistance during disasters and emergencies; and maintain medical capabilities for international peacekeeping missions.
2) Integrated Military Medical System
The military healthcare system of Bangladesh is operated through a coordinated network of trained doctors, nurses, paramedics, dentists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. Military hospitals provide various specialized medical services alongside general medical treatment.
3) Combined Military Hospital (CMH)
Combined Military Hospitals (CMHs), located in different regions of Bangladesh, form the foundation of military healthcare services. These hospitals provide various types of medical services, including emergency treatment, surgery, medicine, orthopaedics, cardiology, paediatrics, gynaecology and obstetrics, ophthalmology, dental care, and intensive care (ICU).
4) Preventive Healthcare Services
Disease prevention is given special importance within the Armed Forces. These measures include regular health examinations, vaccination programmes, health and nutrition education, prevention of infectious diseases, and ensuring safe water and sanitation.
5) Disaster and Humanitarian Healthcare Services
During floods, cyclones, earthquakes, fires, or other disasters, the Armed Forces, in accordance with government directives, establish temporary medical camps, operate mobile medical teams, provide emergency medicines, distribute purified water and healthcare supplies, and provide rescue and medical assistance to injured people.
6) Contribution During the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bangladesh Armed Forces played an important supporting role in the national response. At various levels, they assisted in quarantine and isolation management, contributed to expanding healthcare facilities, provided logistical support for transporting medical supplies, and participated in public awareness activities.
7) Medical Services in United Nations Peacekeeping Missions
The medical units of the Bangladesh Armed Forces play an important role in United Nations peacekeeping missions. They provide medical services to peacekeepers and, when necessary, assist local populations with emergency medical care. They also participate in disease prevention and health-awareness activities. Through humanitarian medical assistance, they help build trust among local communities.
8) Medical Education and Research
Within Bangladesh’s military medical system, emphasis is placed on advanced training, research, and professional development to improve the skills of doctors and healthcare professionals. This system encourages the adoption of modern medical technologies and the practice of international standards.
9) International Comparison
Like the armed forces of developed countries around the world, the Bangladesh Armed Forces place importance on preventive healthcare, emergency medical services, disaster-time medical assistance, and medical support in peacekeeping missions. However, the healthcare systems of individual countries may differ depending on their resources, policies, and institutional structures.
10) Future Actions
The future priorities include expanding telemedicine and digital healthcare services; further increasing medical capabilities during disasters; investing in modern medical equipment and research; strengthening mental healthcare services; increasing international training and cooperation; and further strengthening preparedness for dealing with infectious diseases.
Conclusion
The healthcare system of the Bangladesh Armed Forces not only ensures the treatment and well-being of military personnel but also makes important contributions to national disasters, public health crises, and international peacekeeping operations. Through professional healthcare personnel, modern healthcare systems, humanitarian values, and disciplined management, this healthcare system is playing an important role in the country’s health security and human welfare. In the future, there is further potential to strengthen this contribution through technological innovation, research, and international cooperation.
Healthcare Services of the Bangladesh Armed Forces
An Illustrated Research Chapter on National Health Security, Military Medicine, and Humanitarian Services from an International Perspective
Prepared by: Veteran Major Amin Ahmed Afsari,
Pioneer Commando and Paratrooper
Honoring Those Who Served, Supporting Those Who Continue to Serve