E-Health Cards to be Launched in Five Districts
Representational Image. Collected.
Patients and their relatives will no longer need to sift through piles of files searching for prescriptions, test reports, or records of previous medications when visiting hospitals. All medical information of a patient will be stored on a small card. By presenting this card to a doctor, the patient's medical history, previous treatments, test results, and list of medications can be viewed instantly.
With the goal of realizing such a modern and technology-dependent healthcare system, the e-Health Card program is set to be launched as a pilot project in five districts of the country. The government's proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year has allocated Tk 162 crore for this program. In the first phase, approximately 2.5 million people in Khulna, Bogura, Sirajganj, Narsingdi, and Noakhali districts will come under this service.
According to sources, this is a key part of the government's announced 100-day program. The initiative aims to make healthcare easier, faster, and more coordinated.
On April 15, Prime Minister Tarik Rahman announced in the National Parliament the launch of e-Health Cards in five districts. He informed that the project proposal was awaiting approval and that implementation would begin once the necessary processes were completed.
As part of fulfilling promises made to the health sector after the election, the Prime Minister's Office formed a 13-member special 'Health Reform Cell' on February 27. A primary responsibility of this cell is to prepare the technical framework, database management, security systems, and implementation roadmap for the e-Health Card.
Those concerned said a major problem in the country's current healthcare system is the fragmented storage of patient medical information. When a patient moves from one hospital to another, previous medical records are often unavailable. This leads to repeated tests, wasted time, and increased treatment costs. The introduction of e-Health Cards is expected to resolve many of these issues.
The BNP's election manifesto also promised to provide every citizen with an electronic health card. According to the plan, this card can eventually be used at any hospital, clinic, or health center across the country. Doctors will be able to instantly view a patient's prior medical information, making diagnosis and treatment decisions easier.
Public health expert Dr. Mushtaq Hossain believes that introducing the new healthcare card will increase the public's interest in and demand for healthcare. When people become aware of their health rights, it will create positive pressure on the government and relevant institutions to improve service quality.
He said the long-standing irregularities and mismanagement in the health sector cannot be eliminated overnight. However, the e-Health Card could be a significant beginning, gradually making the healthcare system more disciplined, transparent, and accountable.