🇧🇩 Bangladesh Healthcare Guide
Dhaka has a growing number of private hospitals — Square Hospital and United Hospital are the most commonly used by visitors — but outside the capital, particularly in the Sylhet tea region and the Chittagong Hill Tracts, healthcare facilities are basic and overcrowded. If you need care outside Dhaka, knowing that a transfer back to one of these private hospitals is usually the best course of action, and having your medical summary saved and accessible ready to share on arrival, saves time at a facility that won't have your records.
Quick facts
- Emergency number: 999
- Healthcare system: mixed
- Average GP visit: $10 USD
- EHIC/GHIC accepted: No
- Language barrier: high
Healthcare overview
Dhaka has capable private hospitals (Apollo Hospitals Dhaka, United Hospital, Square Hospital) with specialist departments that draw patients from across Bangladesh and neighbouring regions. The public system is free but extremely crowded. Chittagong has adequate private options. Rural Bangladesh and the hill tracts have limited healthcare, and monsoon flooding can cut off access to facilities for days or weeks during June–October.
Monsoon flooding disruption
Monsoon season (June–October) can flood roads and cut off access to hospitals across much of Bangladesh. Plan medical needs around seasonal risk.
Dhaka private hospitals
Apollo, United, and Square hospitals in Dhaka offer modern facilities with English-speaking staff and direct booking for international patients.
Vaccinations
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Malaria prophylaxis
- Japanese Encephalitis
Prescriptions and pharmacies
Dhaka’s pharmacies are abundant and medications are very affordable, with many items available over the counter. Quality varies between manufacturers, so stick to well-known brands (Square Pharmaceuticals, Beximco, Incepta) when purchasing locally. Having your medication list accessible in English helps pharmacists match equivalents, as Bangladeshi brand names differ from international ones.
Trusted local manufacturers
Square Pharmaceuticals, Beximco, and Incepta are Bangladesh’s most reputable pharmaceutical companies. Ask for these brands when purchasing locally.
Tips for travellers
Dhaka’s private hospitals cover most specialist chronic conditions competently. For highly complex cases, Bangkok, Chennai, or Singapore serve as the nearest referral hubs with broader specialist depth. Having your treatment plan accessible in English helps Dhaka’s specialists continue your care, as English is the working language in private hospital documentation.
Bangkok and Chennai referrals
For specialist care beyond Dhaka’s capacity, Bangkok (Bumrungrad) and Chennai (Apollo) are the nearest well-established options.