Measles Crisis Pushes Bangladeshi Families into Deep Debt
A new study reveals measles causes severe financial problems for families in Bangladesh. Nearly nine out of ten affected families must borrow money for treatment. Six out of ten families have also used up all their savings.
This finding comes from a joint report. The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) conducted this study. They surveyed 2,746 families at 12 government hospitals across the country.
Hazera Khatun’s story highlights this struggle. She traveled from Rangpur to Dhaka. Her 11-month-old daughter is being treated for measles. Hazera’s family has spent over Tk70,000 already. This includes Tk20,000 for an ambulance. Daily food and other tests add to the bill. Her family had to borrow money from relatives.
The study found each family spends about Tk16,000 on average. This is for treatment-related costs. Government hospitals offer free treatment. However, travel, medicines, special tests, and food are still expensive. Parents also lose income because they cannot work. Some even lose their jobs.
Families identified their most urgent needs. Thirty-five percent asked for medicines. Thirty-three percent needed help with water and hygiene. Twenty-two percent said food was their top priority. Based on their needs, 2,400 families will receive emergency cash aid.
Professor Syed Abdul Hamid from Dhaka University said measles mostly affects low-income families. These families earn Tk6,000 to Tk20,000 monthly. He called these treatment costs a huge burden. He suggested the government cover some diagnostic tests. He also proposed a National Health Fund for poor families.
Kabir M Ashraf Alam, Secretary General of the BDRCS, confirmed cash aid is reaching vulnerable families. Alberto Bocanegra, Head of the IFRC Delegation in Bangladesh, added that families face big financial challenges.
Health experts warn that free hospital treatment is not enough. Families will face deeper money problems. Strong social support systems are needed. These systems can cover other necessary costs. This will prevent families from becoming poor due to illness.
